Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake combines the delicate aroma of lavender with the sweetness of blackberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile. The reverse creaming method ensures a soft, tight crumb, while the lavender milk and soaking syrup infuse the cake with a gentle, aromatic taste. The addition of blackberry jam and cream cheese frosting elevates the dessert, making it a standout choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Lavender Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
For the Lavender Soaking Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) lavender milk, cooled
For the Blackberry Jam Filling:
- ½ cup blackberry jam
For the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
-
Prepare the Lavender Milk:
- In a small saucepan, bring the whole milk to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add the dried lavender to the milk, remove from heat, and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the lavender from the milk and allow the milk to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Lavender Soaking Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, and dried lavender.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
- Remove from heat and let it steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain the lavender from the syrup and allow it to cool completely.
-
Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with the cooled lavender milk in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
-
Bake the Cake Layers:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans on a wire rack for 10 minutes, then remove from the pans and let them cool completely on the rack.
-
Prepare the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt until well combined.
-
Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cake layers have cooled, level the tops if necessary.
- Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese buttercream over the top.
- Pipe a border of frosting around the edge to create a dam.
- Fill the center with blackberry jam.
- Place the second cake layer on top and repeat the process.
- Add the third cake layer and apply a crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- After chilling, apply the final layer of frosting over the cake.
-
Decorate and Serve:
- Decorate the cake as desired.
- Slice and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 12 servings.
- Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour.
- Baking Time: 20-22 minutes.
- Cooling Time: Allow the cakes to cool completely before assembling, about 1 hour.
Blackberry Lavender Cake
This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a luxurious and aromatic dessert combining the floral notes of lavender and the sweetness of blackberries. With its moist texture, it’s perfect for special occasions or gatherings. The gentle lavender milk and soaking syrup enhance the delicate flavor of the cake, while the creamy cream cheese buttercream and blackberry jam filling add a rich, indulgent touch.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 20-22 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Lavender Milk:
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
For the Lavender Soaking Syrup:
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) lavender milk, cooled
For the Blackberry Jam Filling:
- ½ cup blackberry jam
For the Cream Cheese Buttercream:
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
- 8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Lavender Milk: Heat milk, add lavender, steep for 15 minutes, then strain and cool.
- Prepare the Lavender Soaking Syrup: Simmer water, sugar, and lavender. Strain and cool.
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. Whisk dry ingredients. Beat butter and sugar, add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry ingredients and lavender milk. Mix until combined.
- Bake the Cake Layers: Divide batter among pans and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare the Cream Cheese Buttercream: Beat butter and cream cheese, add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
- Assemble the Cake: Layer cake with buttercream, blackberry jam, and more frosting. Crumb coat, chill, then add the final frosting layer.
- Decorate and Serve: Decorate and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting to prevent melting.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some extra lavender on top as a garnish.
- If you prefer a more intense blackberry flavor, consider using fresh or homemade blackberry jam.
