Blackberry Lavender Cake

Wow, guess what I just tasted? It’s a Blackberry Lavender Cake. It made me feel so happy!

I love how the sweet berries mix with the gentle lavender. The smell is so calming. It’s like a soft hug for my taste buds!

Now, I want to share this cake with you. It is moist and fluffy. I bet you will love it, too!

Let’s bake it together, friend. Grab some blackberries and a little lavender. We will have so much fun!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Balance: The floral notes of lavender enhance the natural sweetness of blackberries.
• Soft and Moist Texture: A tender crumb thanks to butter, milk, and the perfect ratio of ingredients.
• Show-Stopping Appearance: A gorgeous purple-hued frosting makes this cake stand out.
• Versatile and Customizable: Works well as a layer cake, cupcakes, or even a sheet cake.
• Great for Special Occasions: Elegant enough for weddings and tea parties, yet easy enough for a weekend bake.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings

This recipe makes a three-layer 8-inch cake, serving 10-12 people.

Difficulty

Intermediate – Easy to follow, but requires attention to details for the best results.

Required Kitchen Tools

To ensure a smooth baking process, have these tools ready:

• Mixing Bowls: One for dry ingredients, one for wet ingredients.
• Electric Mixer: A stand mixer or hand mixer for even mixing.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise ingredient measurements.
• Cake Pans (3 x 8-inch): Ensures even layers.
• Parchment Paper: For lining pans to prevent sticking.
• Whisk and Spatula: For mixing and folding.
• Cooling Rack: Essential for cooling the cake layers evenly.
• Small Saucepan: Needed for making the blackberry reduction for frosting.

Ingredients for Blackberry Lavender Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful cake (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cake.
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder – Helps the cake rise.
• ½ tsp salt – Balances the sweetness.
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened – Adds moisture and richness.
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake.
• 4 large eggs, room temperature – Provides structure and stability.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Enhances overall flavor.
• 1 tsp lavender extract – Gives a subtle floral note.
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature – Keeps the cake moist.
• ¾ cup (100g) fresh blackberries, chopped – Adds juicy bursts of flavor.

For the Blackberry Lavender Frosting:

• 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened – Creates a creamy, tangy frosting.
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened – Ensures a smooth texture.
• 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar – Sweetens and thickens the frosting.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract – Adds depth to the frosting.
• 1 tsp dried lavender flowers, finely ground – Enhances the floral taste.
• ¼ cup (60ml) blackberry puree – Gives the frosting a beautiful purple hue.

Variations for Blackberry Lavender Cake

• Make it Vegan: Substitute butter with plant-based alternatives, eggs with flax eggs, and milk with almond or oat milk.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
• Stronger Lavender Flavor: Steep dried lavender in warm milk for 10 minutes before using.
• Extra Berry Flavor: Add a layer of blackberry compote between cake layers for added moisture and taste.
• Cupcake Version: Divide batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-22 minutes.

How to Make Blackberry Lavender Cake – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
4. Add the Eggs and Flavoring: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Mix in vanilla extract and lavender extract.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add the dry ingredients in three batches, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients.
6. Fold in the Blackberries: Gently fold in the chopped blackberries with a spatula, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.

2. Bake the Cake

1. Divide and Smooth the Batter: Evenly divide the batter between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the tops.
2. Bake: Place the cake pans in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool the Cakes: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

How to Make the Blackberry Lavender Frosting

1. Prepare the Blackberry Puree

1. Blend the Blackberries: In a blender or food processor, puree ½ cup of fresh blackberries until smooth.
2. Strain the Puree: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. You should have about ¼ cup of smooth blackberry puree.

2. Make the Frosting

1. Beat the Cream Cheese and Butter: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
2. Add the Sugar and Flavoring: Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Add vanilla extract and finely ground dried lavender flowers.
3. Incorporate the Blackberry Puree: Pour in the blackberry puree and continue mixing until the frosting is smooth and has a soft purple color.

Assembling the Blackberry Lavender Cake

1. Level the Cake Layers (If Needed)

If the cake layers have domed tops, use a serrated knife to gently trim them for even stacking.

2. Layer the Cake

1. First Layer: Place the bottom cake layer on a serving plate. Spread an even layer of frosting over the top.
2. Second Layer: Add the second cake layer and repeat the frosting process.
3. Top Layer: Place the final layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake evenly.

3. Decorate the Cake

• Smooth Finish: Use a bench scraper or offset spatula for a clean, smooth finish.
• Rustic Look: Create soft swirls in the frosting for a textured, homemade look.
• Garnish: Sprinkle dried lavender and arrange fresh blackberries on top for a decorative touch.

How to Store Blackberry Lavender Cake

Room Temperature Storage:

• If unfrosted, store the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration:

• Store the frosted cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Let the cake sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Freezing:

• Unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Frosted cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutrition Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 slice)
Calories	~450 kcal
Carbohydrates	60g
Protein	5g
Fat	22g
Saturated Fat	12g
Sugar	42g
Fiber	2g
Sodium	180mg

Blackberry Lavender Cake FAQs

Can I use dried lavender instead of lavender extract?

Yes! You can steep 1 teaspoon of dried lavender in warm milk for 10 minutes, then strain it before adding it to the batter.

What if I don’t have fresh blackberries?

Frozen blackberries work! Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bake the cake layers a day ahead, store them tightly wrapped, and frost before serving.

How do I get a stronger lavender flavor?

Increase the lavender extract to 1 ½ teaspoons or steep dried lavender in the milk before using.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a perfect balance of floral and fruity flavors, wrapped in a soft, buttery cake with creamy, slightly tangy frosting. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just indulging in a slice with tea, this cake is bound to impress. Try it out, and enjoy a beautifully aromatic dessert!