The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden glow as I wandered through the herb garden. The scent of fresh lavender danced in the air, mingling with the sweetness of honey from the nearby hives. It was there, amidst the vibrant blooms, that inspiration struck me for a unique cake that would encapsulate the essence of a sunny spring day. This Lavender Honey Citrus Cake is a delightful celebration of flavors, perfect for any occasion and sure to transport you to a serene garden filled with fragrant blooms.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup buttermilk
3 large eggs
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
Zest of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 orange
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
¼ cup fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Optional: fresh lavender sprigs and citrus slices for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper for easy removal. This cake is delicate, and you’ll want to ensure it comes out perfectly.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. The mixture should be pale and airy, which will give your cake that lovely texture.
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate the buttermilk, lemon juice, and orange juice, along with the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth and creamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, dried lavender, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and citrus zests. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep that fluffy texture.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of lavender and citrus will fill your kitchen, making it hard to resist tasting the batter before it even bakes!
Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, you can dust the tops with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. If you feel adventurous, layer the cakes with a simple honey-lavender frosting or serve with whipped cream and fresh berries.
Garnish with sprigs of fresh lavender and slices of citrus for that stunning visual appeal. Slice into this enchanting cake, and let the flavors dance on your palate, reminiscent of that beautiful spring day in the garden.