Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Delightful Dessert Experience

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweet juiciness of blackberries with the aromatic essence of lavender. This cake is perfect for any special occasion, whether it’s a birthday, a tea party, or just a cozy dessert at home. The delicate flavors and moist texture make each bite a sumptuous experience. With its beautiful presentation and unique taste, this cake is sure to impress your guests and elevate any dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

This moist lavender cake offers a plethora of reasons to fall in love with it. First, the lavender and blackberry flavor combination is simply exquisite, creating a unique taste profile that tantalizes the palate. Each slice delivers a perfect balance of sweetness and floral notes, making it a standout dessert. Additionally, this cake is not only delicious but also visually appealing, adding elegance to any gathering.

Moreover, it is versatile enough to serve on various occasions, from casual family dinners to upscale celebrations. This blackberry lavender cake is also relatively easy to make, making it an excellent choice for novice bakers looking to impress. You’ll find that the blackberry cake recipe is straightforward, and with just a few ingredients, you can create a show-stopping dessert. Finally, using fresh blackberries enhances the cake’s flavor and adds a vibrant color, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Delightful Dessert Experience - Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake - main visual representation

Ingredients for Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

Gather these items:

1 cup whole milk (or any milk of your choice)
2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
1/4 cup sour cream (at room temperature)
2 1/2 cups cake flour (spooned & leveled)
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (diced & softened to room temperature)
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
4 large eggs (at room temperature)
8 ounces full-fat brick cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
5 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 – 1 cup blackberry jam (or more, to taste)
Optional: purple or mauve food coloring
Optional: fresh blackberries (for garnish)

How to Make Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake Step-by-Step

Step 1: Make the lavender milk: In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the milk to a simmer. Remove from heat and immediately add the lavender. Set aside to steep for 20 minutes. Strain the milk through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the lavender. Cool completely.
Step 2: Make the lavender syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and add the lavender. Simmer for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let it steep until cooled. Strain the syrup and discard the lavender. Can be made 1-2 days ahead.
Step 3: Make the cake batter: Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease three 8-inch cake pans and line with parchment paper. Stir the sour cream and lavender milk together, then set aside.
Step 4: Mix the batter: In the bowl of a stand mixer, sift the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Beat on low speed for a few seconds. Add butter, vanilla, and half of the lavender milk/sour cream mixture. Mix on medium speed for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Add eggs: Whisk the eggs into the remaining lavender milk/sour cream mixture. Gradually add this egg mixture to the batter in 3 parts, mixing for 15 seconds after each addition. Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl, then mix for 15 more seconds until fully incorporated. Avoid over-mixing.
Step 6: Bake the cake layers: Divide the batter evenly between the cake pans and bake for 20-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely.
Step 7: Prepare the frosting: In a large bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and creamy. Add confectioners’ sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt, then mix on low speed. Increase speed and beat for 3 minutes. Adjust thickness with more sugar or milk if necessary.
Step 8: Assemble the cake: Place the first cake layer on your cake stand. Spread a thin layer of frosting, then pipe a ring of frosting along the edge. Add blackberry jam in the center. Top with a second cake layer and repeat. Finish with the third layer and cover the cake with a crumb coat of frosting. Chill for 15 minutes.
Step 9: Spread the purple frosting over the top and sides of the cake. If desired, pipe decorative designs with any remaining frosting.
Step 10: Chill and serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 20 minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.

Pro Tips for the Best Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

Keep these in mind:

Use fresh blackberries for garnish if desired.
Adjust the amount of blackberry jam based on your taste preference.
For a stronger lavender flavor, increase the amount of dried culinary lavender.
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for optimal mixing.

Best Ways to Serve Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

This blackberry lavender dessert is best served chilled, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. You can pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added indulgence. Alternatively, serve it alongside a cup of herbal tea to enhance the floral notes of the cake.

How to Store and Reheat Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

To store your moist cake with lavender, keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider freezing the layers individually wrapped in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembly. For meal prep, this cake is perfect as it holds its moisture well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake

What’s the secret to perfect Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake?

The secret lies in using high-quality ingredients and not over-mixing the batter. Ensuring that your eggs and milk are at room temperature also contributes to the cake’s moist texture.

Can I make Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Just ensure they are properly wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake?

To avoid common mistakes, measure your ingredients carefully and follow the mixing instructions closely. Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature to ensure even baking.

Variations of Moist Blackberry Lavender Cake You Can Try

For a unique twist, consider adding lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy kick. Alternatively, you can substitute the blackberries with raspberries or blueberries for different seasonal blackberry cake recipes. Experimenting with different frostings, such as cream cheese or chocolate ganache, can also enhance the flavor profile.

For more information on the health benefits of lavender, check out this Healthline article.