This Vanilla Lavender Celebration Cake is not your average dessert. It combines the classic charm of vanilla with the subtle, aromatic touch of lavender, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that promises a taste of elegance in every bite.
All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cake, creating a tender and fluffy texture. Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, while the unsalted butter adds richness and moisture. Eggs act as a binding agent, helping the cake rise and adding to its soft crumb. Milk ensures a moist consistency and smooth batter. Baking powder is the leavening agent, giving the cake its lift. Salt enhances all the flavors. Vanilla extract is the primary flavor, offering a warm and inviting aroma. Dried culinary lavender adds a subtle floral note, transforming a classic vanilla cake into something special. For the frosting, powdered sugar creates a smooth, sweet finish, while heavy cream ensures the frosting is rich and spreadable.
This cake pairs beautifully with a light herbal tea, complementing the floral notes of the lavender. It also works well as a stunning dessert for brunch gatherings or afternoon tea parties. For a festive touch, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly. Next, grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans; this step is crucial to prevent sticking. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until they are light and fluffy — this should take about 3-5 minutes using an electric mixer.
Once creamed, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it's well incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the milk. It's important to mix until just combined to avoid overworking the batter.
Now comes the aromatic touch — stir in the crushed lavender until it's evenly distributed throughout the batter. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Place the pans in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know they're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and crushed lavender until light and fluffy. Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting. Place one cake layer on a serving platter, spread some frosting on top, then stack the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Decorate as desired, perhaps with a sprinkle of lavender or some fresh flowers.
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