Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake
Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake! This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the sweet burst of blueberries and the calming essence of lavender. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy afternoon treat, this cake will surely impress your family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake. Firstly, it beautifully combines sweet and floral notes, which creates a unique flavor experience. Secondly, the addition of blueberries not only adds bursts of natural sweetness but also provides health benefits. Finally, baking this cake is a fun-filled activity that brings joy to your kitchen and creates a wonderful dessert that everyone will love.
How to Make Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake
Making a Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake is easy! Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and stunning dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp culinary lavender, finely ground
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 oz cream cheese (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)
- 2 tbsp blueberry puree (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp lavender extract or 1/2 tsp ground culinary lavender (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground lavender.
- In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix in the flour mixture and buttermilk, alternating between the two.
- Gently fold in the blueberries and mini chocolate chips.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely.
- For the frosting, beat together the softened butter and cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing well.
- Finally, stir in the blueberry puree and lavender extract for flavor.
- Frost the cooled cakes with the prepared frosting.
How to Serve Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake
Serve slices of the Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake on a beautiful plate. You can enjoy it plain or dust with some powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Pair it with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon snack.
How to Store Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it fresh for longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent the batter from becoming too wet.
- Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing.
Variation
You can experiment with different flavors by substituting the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries. Additionally, you can add chopped nuts for extra texture.
FAQs
-
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes! You can bake the cakes in advance and store them in the fridge, frosted or unfrosted, for a few days. -
Is lavender safe to eat?
Yes, culinary lavender is safe to eat, but make sure to use lavender that is specifically labeled for cooking. -
Can I freeze the cake?
Absolutely! You can freeze the unfrosted cake for up to 3 months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap before freezing.
Enjoy your baking adventure with this Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake! It’s a delicious and unique dessert that’s sure to be a hit!
