Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Dreamy Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe: A Sweet Summer Delight

Sweet summer memories bloom right in this blackberry lavender cake, a delicate dance of floral and fruity notes that whispers elegance.

Delightful purple hues peek through layers of soft, moist crumb, promising a sensory journey.

Wild lavender brings subtle sophistication to plump, juicy blackberries nestled within tender cake.

Each slice tells a story of countryside charm and gentle baking magic.

Fragrant herbs mingle with rich fruit, creating a dessert that feels both rustic and refined.

Bakers seeking something extraordinary will fall in love with this unexpected flavor combination.

You can transform an ordinary afternoon into a gourmet experience with just a few simple ingredients and a touch of culinary creativity.

Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Delicious Delight

  • Savor Unique Flavor Combination: Blackberry and lavender create an unexpected, sophisticated taste that elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Craft a Stunning Dessert: The beautiful purple-tinged frosting and fresh blackberry garnish make this cake a showstopping centerpiece for any special occasion.
  • Impress with Gourmet Techniques: Infusing syrup and incorporating fresh herbs transforms a simple cake into a culinary experience that feels professionally prepared.
  • Customize with Seasonal Charm: Perfect for summer gatherings, garden parties, or when you want to surprise friends with a delightful, aromatic dessert that celebrates fresh ingredients.

Ingredients to Make Blackberry Lavender Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key component that provides the structural foundation for the cake.
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Adds richness and creates a smooth, tender cake texture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a soft cake structure.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's moisture and structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, warm flavor to the cake.
  • Buttermilk: Contributes to the cake's tenderness and provides a subtle tangy flavor.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Lavender, Blackberries: Bring unique floral and fruity notes that define the cake's distinctive character.
  • Lavender Syrup Ingredients (Water, Sugar, Lavender): Creates a fragrant moisture layer that infuses the cake with additional lavender flavor.
Buttercream Ingredients:
  • Butter: Forms the creamy base of the frosting.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a smooth frosting texture.
  • Vanilla, Cream: Add depth and richness to the buttercream.
  • Lavender, Blackberry Puree: Incorporate additional flavor and a beautiful color to the frosting.

How to Bake the Perfect Blackberry Lavender Cake

How to Bake the Perfect Blackberry Lavender Cake

Step 1: Mixing Dry Ingredients

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.

Set this fragrant mixture aside for later use.

Step 2: Creaming Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 3: Combining Cake Batter

Gradually incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

This technique ensures a silky, even batter.

Gently fold in:
  • Fresh lavender buds
  • Ripe blackberries

Step 4: Preparing to Bake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease cake pans and line with parchment paper.

Pour batter evenly into prepared pans.

Step 5: Baking the Cake

Bake for 25-30 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 6: Creating Lavender Syrup

In a small saucepan, combine:
  • Water
  • Sugar
  • Lavender buds

Simmer until sugar dissolves completely.

Strain lavender and let syrup cool to room temperature.

Step 7: Preparing Buttercream

Beat butter until creamy and light.

Gradually add powdered sugar.

Mix in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream
  • Crushed lavender
  • Blackberry puree

Step 8: Assembling Cake

Brush each cake layer with lavender syrup.

Spread buttercream between layers and over entire cake.

Garnish with fresh blackberries.

Pro Tips to Enhance Blackberry Lavender Cake Flavor

  • Crush dried lavender buds before adding to release more intense, aromatic oils into the cake batter and buttercream.
  • Toss fresh blackberries in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter to ensure even distribution and prevent them from dropping to the bottom.
  • Brush lavender syrup generously between cake layers to keep the texture soft and infuse additional floral notes throughout the dessert.
  • Start with a small amount of dried lavender and adjust to taste, as too much can make the cake taste soapy or overpowering.
  • Choose ripe, firm blackberries and gently fold them into the batter to maintain their shape and prevent bruising during mixing.

Creative Variations for Blackberry Lavender Cake

  • Gluten-Free Lavender Berry Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use xanthan gum to maintain cake structure.
  • Vegan Blackberry Lavender Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, butter with coconut oil, and buttermilk with almond milk. Use plant-based cream cheese for buttercream.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Lavender Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of sugar. Choose fresh berries with natural sweetness and reduce overall sugar content.
  • Dairy-Free Lavender Cake Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk, dairy-free butter alternatives, and cashew cream for a lighter, allergy-friendly cake.

Serving Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

  • Elegant Afternoon Tea Pairing: Serve slices alongside delicate Earl Grey tea, highlighting the cake's floral lavender notes and complementing its rich, fruity flavors.
  • Berry Dessert Buffet Centerpiece: Display the cake on a rustic wooden board with fresh blackberries, lavender sprigs, and powdered sugar dusting for a stunning visual presentation.
  • Seasonal Summer Celebration: Perfect for garden parties or bridal showers, pair with chilled rosé wine or lavender lemonade to enhance the cake's sophisticated flavor profile.
  • Gourmet Gifting Option: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper with a lavender sprig, creating a charming homemade gift for food-loving friends and special occasions.

Storage Advice for Blackberry Lavender Cake

  • Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and absorbing other flavors.
  • Carefully wrap the entire frosted cake in two layers of plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Individually wrap cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

  • What does lavender do in this cake recipe?

Lavender adds a delicate floral flavor and aromatic essence to the cake, creating a unique and sophisticated taste profile that complements the sweet blackberries.

  • Can I use dried or fresh lavender for this recipe?

You can use both dried and fresh lavender, but ensure it’s culinary-grade. Dried lavender is more concentrated, so use about 1/3 less compared to fresh lavender to prevent an overpowering flavor.

  • How do I prevent the blackberries from sinking in the cake batter?

Toss the blackberries in a light coating of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.

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Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe


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4.6 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Blackberry lavender cake blends delicate floral notes with rich berry sweetness. Elegant French-inspired dessert offers perfect balance of aromatic lavender and juicy blackberries you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups (300 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
  • 3 large eggs

Leavening Agents:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender, crushed
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare two cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper to ensure easy removal.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry ingredient base.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and airy, using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
  5. Gradually fold dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
  6. Gently fold chopped lavender and fresh blackberries into the batter, distributing them evenly without overmixing.
  7. Divide the batter equally between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula for even baking.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center that comes out clean.
  9. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before removing from pans.
  10. Create lavender syrup by simmering water, sugar, and lavender in a small saucepan until sugar completely dissolves, then strain and cool.
  11. Prepare buttercream by beating butter until creamy, gradually adding powdered sugar, and incorporating vanilla, cream, lavender, and blackberry puree.
  12. Brush cooled cake layers with lavender syrup to enhance moisture and flavor.
  13. Frost the cake with prepared buttercream, spreading evenly between layers and covering the entire cake.
  14. Garnish with fresh blackberries and optional lavender sprigs for an elegant presentation.

Notes

  • Gently fold blackberries into the batter to prevent color bleeding and maintain their delicate texture.
  • Use dried culinary-grade lavender for intense, authentic flavor without overwhelming the cake’s balance.
  • Strain lavender from the syrup completely to avoid bitter or gritty texture in the final dessert.
  • Chill buttercream briefly if it becomes too soft, ensuring smooth and stable frosting application.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Sugar: 25 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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