Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Looking for a cake that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning and unique? This Blackberry Lavender Cake is the perfect choice. The combination of juicy blackberries and fragrant lavender creates a delicate yet flavorful cake that’s perfect for spring and summer gatherings. With layers of moist lavender-infused cake, blackberry compote, and a creamy buttercream frosting, this cake is sure to impress. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because, it’s a show-stopping dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Let’s dive into this recipe, learn how to make it step by step, and explore some variations to suit your preferences.

What is a Blackberry Lavender Cake?

A Blackberry Lavender Cake is a delightful, elegant dessert that combines the sweetness and tartness of blackberries with the delicate, floral notes of culinary lavender. This cake is typically made with lavender-infused vanilla cake layers, filled with a fresh blackberry compote, and frosted with a smooth buttercream that’s infused with either lavender or blackberry flavor.

The balance of flavors is key—lavender can be overpowering if used too much, so it’s blended lightly into the cake batter to provide a subtle, fragrant background note. The blackberry compote adds a burst of fruitiness that pairs beautifully with the floral tones. Visually, this cake is a dream, with its natural purple hues from the blackberries and optional lavender decorations on top.

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cake layers, blackberry compote, and buttercream frosting:

Cake Layers

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (crushed or finely ground)
• 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar (to create lavender “buttermilk”)

Blackberry Compote (for Filling)

• 2 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)

Lavender Buttercream Frosting

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoon milk or cream (more as needed)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoon culinary lavender (ground into a powder) or lavender extract (optional, for flavor)
• ¼ cup blackberry puree (optional, for color and flavor)

Substitutions and Variations

This cake is versatile and can be adapted based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few options for substitutions and variations:

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour instead of regular flour.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the butter with plant-based butter and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of regular milk for the cake and frosting.
• Egg-Free Option: Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water equals one egg) to make the cake vegan-friendly.
• Lavender Substitutions: If you don’t have lavender, you can omit it entirely for a simple vanilla and blackberry cake. Alternatively, you can infuse the cake with a hint of lemon or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
• Fruit Variations: Instead of blackberries, you can use raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries for the compote and filling. Just adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started with the step-by-step process of making this delicious Blackberry Lavender Cake.

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Cake Pans

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper) to prevent the cakes from sticking.

2. Infuse the Milk with Lavender

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Add the dried culinary lavender and let it steep for about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out the lavender, then add 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to the milk to create a "buttermilk" effect. Set aside to cool.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

5. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

6. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Lavender Milk

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the lavender-infused milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

8. Make the Blackberry Compote

While the cakes are baking and cooling, make the blackberry compote. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens (about 10 minutes). Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the compote has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.

9. Make the Lavender Buttercream Frosting

In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until light and fluffy. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and culinary lavender or lavender extract, if using. Beat until smooth and fluffy. If you want a lavender or blackberry color, you can add a few spoonfuls of the blackberry puree to the frosting for a beautiful purple tint and flavor.

10. Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble the cake:

1. Level the cakes: If the cake layers have domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them off so they stack evenly.
2. Add the blackberry compote: Place one cake layer on your serving platter and spread a generous amount of the cooled blackberry compote on top. Leave a small border around the edges to prevent it from spilling over.
3. Add the second layer: Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to secure.
4. Frost the cake: Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lavender buttercream frosting, smoothing it out with an offset spatula.

11. Decorate (Optional)

For an extra decorative touch, garnish the cake with fresh blackberries, edible lavender sprigs, or a dusting of powdered sugar. You can also pipe additional frosting around the edges for a more professional look.

How to Cook Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick overview, here’s the step-by-step process for making the perfect Blackberry Lavender Cake:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cake pans.
2. Infuse the milk with lavender and mix the dry ingredients.
3. Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and lavender milk.
5. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes.
6. Make the blackberry compote while the cake bakes and cools.
7. Prepare the lavender buttercream frosting.
8. Assemble the cake, spreading compote between layers and frosting the outside.
9. Decorate with fresh blackberries, lavender sprigs, or frosting swirls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some tips to avoid common mistakes when baking and assembling this cake:

• Overusing lavender: Lavender is strong, so use it sparingly. Too much can give the cake a soapy taste. If you’re new to using lavender, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
• Overmixing the batter: Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense, tough cake.
• Skipping the cooling time: Always let the cakes cool completely before adding the compote and frosting. Frosting a warm cake will cause the frosting to melt and slide off.
• Too much filling: Be careful not to overfill the cake with blackberry compote, as it may cause the layers to slide or the compote to spill out the sides.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is everything when it comes to this elegant cake. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Blackberry Lavender Cake:

• Fresh Blackberry Garnish: Top the cake with fresh blackberries for a simple yet beautiful finish.
• Edible Lavender Sprigs: Decorate the top with a few edible lavender sprigs for a charming, rustic touch.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting: For an ethereal look, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
• Piping Frosting: Use a piping bag to pipe frosting rosettes around the edges or on top of the cake for an added professional touch.

How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake

You can serve this cake in several ways, depending on the occasion:

• Sliced on Plates: Serve slices on individual dessert plates with a few extra blackberries and a sprig of lavender for garnish.
• Paired with Tea: This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea, especially an herbal blend like chamomile, lavender, or Earl Grey.
• As a Show-Stopping Centerpiece: Place the cake in the center of the table as a striking dessert that will impress guests before they even take a bite.

Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

Make your cake stand out with these fun presentation ideas:

• Rustic Elegance: Serve the cake on a wooden cake stand or plate for a natural, rustic feel.
• Floral Touches: Surround the cake with fresh flowers or edible petals for a garden party vibe.
• Minimalist Look: For a clean, modern presentation, keep the frosting smooth and minimal with a simple garnish of blackberries and lavender.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for the best results. This helps create a smooth, even batter.
• Make Ahead: The cake layers can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in plastic at room temperature. The frosting can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Let it come to room temperature and beat again before using.
• Storing Leftovers: Leftover cake can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen blackberries for this recipe?

Yes! If fresh blackberries aren’t available, you can use frozen blackberries for the compote. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

2. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of this cake.

3. How long does this cake last?

This cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze the unfrosted cake layers for up to 2 months.

4. What if I can’t find culinary lavender?

If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can omit it from the recipe and still have a delicious blackberry cake. You could also experiment with lavender extract or a small amount of lavender essential oil (only if it’s food-grade) for a similar flavor.

5. Can I make this cake in advance?

Yes! The cake layers can be baked in advance, cooled, and wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a day before assembling. You can also make the frosting ahead and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a beautiful, flavorful dessert that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. The balance of floral lavender, sweet blackberries, and creamy buttercream makes for a unique and unforgettable treat. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply because you’re craving something sweet, this cake will be a show-stopper. Follow the steps, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the delicate yet bold taste of blackberry and lavender in this elegant cake. Happy baking!

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