Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe

If you're looking for a unique and elegant dessert, this Blackberry Lavender Cake is a showstopper. The combination of juicy blackberries and floral lavender creates a perfectly balanced, slightly tangy, and fragrant cake that’s ideal for celebrations like birthdays, bridal showers, or afternoon tea. The light, moist layers of vanilla cake are filled with a homemade blackberry lavender jam and frosted with a luscious lavender-infused buttercream. Read on for a detailed recipe, helpful tips, and variations to make this stunning cake truly unforgettable!

What Is a Blackberry Lavender Cake?

A Blackberry Lavender Cake combines the sweet-tart flavor of blackberries with the aromatic, floral essence of lavender. The cake layers are typically vanilla or lightly lavender-scented, and the filling consists of blackberry jam or compote. Lavender buttercream or whipped cream frosting complements the flavors beautifully, giving the cake a sophisticated, yet subtle floral note.

Ingredients List for Blackberry Lavender Cake

For the Cake:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
• 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, finely ground (optional, for floral notes)

For the Blackberry Lavender Jam:

• 2 cups fresh blackberries (or frozen, thawed)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender

For the Lavender Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 ½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried culinary lavender (optional, for floral flavor)
• Purple food coloring (optional, for a lavender tint)

Substitutions and Variations for Blackberry Lavender Cake

1. Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk instead of buttermilk and regular butter.
2. Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum for a similar texture.
3. Whipped Cream Frosting: If you prefer a lighter frosting, use a whipped cream frosting by whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and a touch of lavender extract.
4. Lemon Twist: Add the zest of one lemon to the cake batter for a citrusy twist that pairs beautifully with the blackberry and lavender flavors.
5. Simple Vanilla Cake: If you’re not a fan of lavender, you can omit it from the cake and frosting, leaving you with a classic vanilla cake paired with blackberry jam.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Blackberry Lavender Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, then lightly flour the pans.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and, if using, the finely ground lavender. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 5: Alternate Adding the Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk

With the mixer on low speed, alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Make Blackberry Lavender Jam

While the cakes are baking, make the blackberry lavender jam:

Step 1: Cook the Blackberries

In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lavender. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes, or until the blackberries break down and the mixture thickens.

Step 2: Strain the Jam (Optional)

If you prefer a seedless jam, strain the blackberry mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds.

Step 3: Cool the Jam

Let the jam cool completely before using it as a filling for the cake. You can store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

How to Make Lavender Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Cream the Butter

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, until smooth and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla, Lavender, and Cream

Add the vanilla extract and finely ground lavender. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, beating on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable. Add a few drops of purple food coloring if you’d like a lavender hue.

How to Assemble the Blackberry Lavender Cake

Step 1: Level the Cakes

Once the cakes are fully cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops if needed, ensuring the layers are even.

Step 2: Fill with Blackberry Jam

Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of the cooled blackberry lavender jam over the top, leaving about ½ inch of space around the edges to prevent the jam from oozing out when you add the second layer.

Step 3: Add the Second Layer

Place the second cake layer on top of the first. Gently press down to ensure the layers are even.

Step 4: Frost the Cake

Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lavender buttercream frosting. Use a spatula or bench scraper to smooth the frosting for a clean, elegant look, or swirl it for a rustic finish.

Step 5: Decorate the Cake

Decorate the cake with fresh blackberries, edible lavender sprigs, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

How to Make Blackberry Lavender Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Step 1: Preheat oven, prepare cake pans, and mix the dry ingredients.
2. Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla.
3. Step 3: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, then bake.
4. Step 4: Make the blackberry lavender jam while the cakes cool.
5. Step 5: Prepare the lavender buttercream frosting.
6. Step 6: Assemble the cake, fill with jam, and frost with buttercream.
7. Step 7: Decorate with fresh blackberries and lavender.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overmixing the Batter: Be careful not to overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added. This can lead to a dense, tough cake.
2. Not Softening the Butter: Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before creaming. Cold butter won’t incorporate air properly, leading to a less tender cake.
3. Frosting a Warm Cake: Make sure the cakes are completely cooled before frosting; otherwise, the buttercream may melt and become difficult to spread.

Serving and Presentation Tips

• Add Fresh Blackberries: Top the cake with fresh blackberries and edible lavender flowers for a beautiful, rustic presentation.
• Drizzle with Extra Jam: For extra flair, drizzle the top of the cake with some of the reserved blackberry lavender jam.
• Serve with Tea: This cake pairs wonderfully with a light herbal tea, such as chamomile or lavender tea.

How to Serve Blackberry Lavender Cake

This cake is best served at room temperature so the frosting remains smooth and creamy. Slice the cake with a warm knife for clean cuts. It makes for a perfect centerpiece at any celebration, from bridal showers to garden parties.

Presentation Ideas for Blackberry Lavender Cake

1. Naked Cake: For a modern, rustic look, try a "naked" cake style where only a thin layer of frosting is applied, allowing some of the cake layers to show through.
2. Lavender Sprigs: Decorate the cake with edible lavender sprigs for an elegant, floral touch. You can also add a dusting of powdered sugar on top for a delicate finish.
3. Blackberry Jam Drizzle: Drizzle some of the blackberry lavender jam over the top of the cake for added decoration and a burst of color.

Blackberry Lavender Cake Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth, even batter, make sure all your ingredients (eggs, butter, buttermilk) are at room temperature.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Berries: You can use fresh or frozen blackberries for the jam. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this cake in advance? Yes! You can bake the cake layers in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze them for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before assembling and frosting the cake.
2. Can I substitute other fruits for blackberries? Absolutely! You can use raspberries, blueberries, or even strawberries in place of blackberries for the jam.
3. What if I don’t have lavender? If you don’t have culinary lavender, you can omit it from the recipe or use a tiny amount of lavender extract (start with ¼ teaspoon and adjust to taste).
4. Can I make this cake gluten-free? Yes, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that contains xanthan gum for a similar texture.

Conclusion

This Blackberry Lavender Cake is a stunning, fragrant dessert that is perfect for special occasions. With its moist vanilla cake layers, tangy blackberry lavender jam, and luscious lavender buttercream frosting, this cake offers a delightful balance of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply treating yourself to a slice of something special, this cake is sure to impress. Try this recipe today and enjoy a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

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