Lavender Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're looking to elevate your baking game, this Lavender Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a fragrant twist on a classic. The floral notes of lavender paired with creamy vanilla create a unique and delightful topping that will transform any cake or cupcake into a gourmet treat.

Ingredients for Lavender Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Butter: The base of any good buttercream, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure it's unsalted so you can control the saltiness of your frosting.

Powdered Sugar: Also known as confectioners' sugar, it sweetens the frosting and helps achieve that classic fluffy texture.

Whole Milk: Adds creaminess and helps adjust the consistency of the frosting. You can substitute with cream for a richer result.

Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and complements the floral notes of lavender without overpowering them.

Dried Culinary Lavender: Ground into a fine powder, it introduces a lovely floral aroma and flavor. Make sure it's culinary-grade to avoid any bitterness.

Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a coffee grinder or spice mill to finely grind the lavender. A finer texture ensures an even distribution of flavor.
  • Let the butter sit out at room temperature for a few hours to soften naturally. Avoid microwaving, as it can lead to uneven melting.
  • If you accidentally add too much milk, just add a bit more powdered sugar to thicken it back up.

Serving Suggestions

This frosting pairs beautifully with lemon or vanilla cakes, adding an aromatic twist. It's also lovely as a filling for macarons or as a topping for shortbread cookies. For a truly indulgent treat, try it on a rich chocolate cake—the contrast of flavors is simply divine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
It's best to stick with dried culinary lavender for this recipe to ensure the flavor is consistent and not too overpowering.
What if I don't have a spice grinder?
You can use a mortar and pestle to grind the lavender. Just make sure it's as fine as possible to mix evenly into the frosting.
How long can I store this frosting?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come back to room temperature before using.

Lavender Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe Walkthrough

Start by placing the softened butter in a large bowl. Beat it using an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth. You want it to be light and fluffy before adding anything else.

Next, gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Keep the mixer on a low setting to avoid a sugar cloud in your kitchen. Mix each addition fully before adding the next.

Once all the sugar is in, pour in the milk and vanilla extract. This is where the frosting starts to come together, taking on a silky smooth consistency. Beat until everything is well combined.

Sprinkle in the ground lavender and salt. Turn the mixer to high and beat for about 1 to 2 minutes. This helps to fully integrate the lavender flavor throughout the frosting, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.

If you find the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. It should be spreadable but still hold its shape.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This frosting is a breeze to make with simple steps and minimal ingredients.
  • Lavender adds a sophisticated touch, perfect for special occasions or just treating yourself.
  • The balance of flavors—floral, sweet, and creamy—offers a refreshing change from standard buttercream.
  • Customizable consistency ensures it can suit any dessert need, from filling to topping.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp dried culinary lavender, ground
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, while beating continuously on low speed.
3. Mix in the milk and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Add the ground lavender and salt, then beat on high speed for 1-2 minutes until fully integrated and fluffy.
5. Adjust the consistency with additional milk if necessary.

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