Indulge in Delightful Bliss with Lavender Pound Cake
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have always been drawn to the comforting and classic dessert of pound cake. But why stick to traditional flavors when you can elevate it with a touch of lavender? That’s right – this recipe for lavender pound cake takes sweet and simple to the next level.
The aroma of lavender is unmistakable – calming, floral, and unique. It’s like a breath of fresh air, and incorporating it into a pound cake adds a layer of complexity that will surprise and delight your taste buds. The recipe itself is straightforward and easy to follow, meaning even novice bakers can produce a stunning result.
Not only is this cake visually stunning with its subtle purple hue, but it is also perfect for any occasion. Slice up a piece for breakfast or serve it at your next dinner party. The bright, springy flavor pairs well with hot tea or coffee, but can just as easily be enjoyed on its own as an indulgent treat.
Trust me, once you try this recipe for lavender pound cake, it will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. So get ready to impress your loved ones with this elevated twist on the classic pound cake.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lavender pound cake recipe is unlike any other. It’s the perfect blend of a classic pound cake with an infused twist of lavender and lemon zest that creates a dazzling aroma and taste. This recipe is perfect for brunch, tea-time or simply as dessert. Trust me, this recipe is worth every single minute!
Firstly, the lavender and lemon zest combination creates a unique and refreshing twist on this classic dessert. One bite, and you’ll realize how these two simple ingredients can transform a plain old cake into a sensational creation.
Secondly, this recipe calls for high-quality ingredients such as unsalted butter, cake flour, granulated sugar, baking powder and vanilla extract to ensure the taste and texture are just right. Everything from the precise measurements to the order in which the ingredients are added has been carefully thought out.
Lastly, the recipe is easy to customize to your liking. Whether you want to change up the flavors or try different toppings, it’s simply up to you! You can even use this recipe as a base for creating other flavorful cakes such as blueberry lavender, strawberry or anything else you desire.
Overall, what makes this lavender pound cake stand out from others is its unique flavor profile that is both sophisticated and fresh. If you’re looking for an excuse to impress your guests with something unusual or just seeking a decadent afternoon tea-time treat yourself, then this lavender pound cake is it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredient you will need for this delicious Lavender Pound Cake Recipe:
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 2 tsp dried lavender buds
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup milk
Lavender Glaze:
- 2 tbsp lavender buds
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp vitality essential oil (optional)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Note that you can find dried lavender buds and vitality essential oil in specialty stores, or online.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all of your ingredients, let’s get started with the recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by measuring out 3 cups of cake flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together in a bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together 2 cups of unsalted butter (softened) and 2 cups of granulated sugar for about three minutes on medium-high speed.
Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Add in 6 large eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Also, mix in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Add the dry ingredients mixture to the wet ingredients mixture, alternating with adding 1 cup of milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
Step 5: Mix in Lemon Lavender Zest
Mix in 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers, lightly crushed.
Step 6: Bake the Lavender Pound Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter and flour a standard bundt cake pan thoroughly. Pour in the batter and smooth out into an even layer. Bake for about 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out cleanly.
Step 7: Make Lavender Lemon Glaze
You can optionally make a glaze for your cake by whisking together some powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon juice, and lavender essential oil or dried lavender flowers.
That’s it! You now have a deliciously aromatic and moist Lemon Lavender Pound Cake that is perfect for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, there are always ways to make a recipe your own. Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are some substitutions and variations for this Lavender Pound Cake recipe:
– Flour: If you don’t have cake flour on hand, you can use all-purpose flour instead. For every cup of cake flour, use one cup of all-purpose flour minus two tablespoons.
– Lavender: If you don’t have dried lavender on hand, you can use lavender essential oil instead. Just be sure to use a high-quality oil that is safe for consumption. You can also swap out the lavender for other herbs like rosemary or thyme.
– Lemon: Want to switch up the citrus flavor? Try using orange or grapefruit zest instead of lemon zest.
– Glaze: If you’re not a fan of lavender, try making a lemon glaze instead. Simply combine one cup of powdered sugar with two tablespoons of heavy cream and two teaspoons of lemon juice in a small bowl.
– Loaf Cake: Instead of making a bundt cake, you can make this recipe into a loaf cake. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
– Fruit Flavors: If you want to add some fruity flavors to your pound cake, try adding chopped strawberries or blueberries to the batter. You can also top your pound cake with a homemade lavender syrup for extra sweetness.
Remember, these substitutions and variations are just suggestions – get creative and experiment with different flavors!
Serving and Pairing
The lavender pound cake is as stunning in flavor as it is in its appearance. The light lavender scent and taste make for an impressive dessert on their own, but it gets even better when paired correctly.
A classic serving option for the cake is a dollop of whipped cream atop each slice, which pairs perfectly with the sweet and floral flavors. If you prefer a richer flavor profile, lightly toasted almonds will add marvelous nuttiness to complement the delicate aroma of lavender.
Lavender pound cake also pairs excellently with a variety of teas such as green tea or vanilla chai. The yellow shade and robust texture of the cake put on view nicely with the deepness of coffee as well.
An additional way to enjoy this recipe is to include other fruits into the mix. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries go particularly well with the lavender flavors present in the cake. Drizzling a raspberry sauce over a slice makes for an attractive and savory dessert.
For those who are feeling brave, try adding some lemon zest to bring out the citrus flavors present in this recipe. It pairs wonderfully with the lavender and impart modishness and complexity to its flavors.
Serve to family and guests alike with your preferred pairing option, whether it be fresh fruit or tea, there’s no wrong way to relish this delicious cake. The obsession with food doesn’t get any more lavish than this.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As a chef, I know that lavender pound cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. That’s why I always recommend making it ahead of time. You can prepare the batter, cover it and refrigerate overnight, bake the cake the next day, and store it in an airtight container. Trust me; this method lets the flavors develop and makes the cake even more delicious.
If you happen to have some leftover pound cake, don’t worry! It can be stored for up to 5 days in an airtight container at room temperature. In fact, leaving it covered over some time enhances the flavor even more. You can also refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to three months.
To reheat your pound cake, slice it into pieces and warm them up in the oven or microwave before serving. You want it warm and fragrant again without drying out.
Another tip is to make individual-pound cakes instead of one large one if you’re making them ahead of time or storing them. They are easier to handle and can be frozen individually without sticking together.
With these tips, you can enjoy your lavender pound cake any day of the week!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the success of your lavender pound cake recipe, a few tips can be helpful. The texture and flavor of the cake depend on a few crucial factors, such as temperature control and ingredient measurement. Keep in mind the following tips to get a moist and delicious cake that will wow your guests.
Firstly, make sure all of your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin baking. This includes unsalted butter, eggs, and milk. If your butter is too cold, it will not incorporate well into the batter, leading to a dry and crumbly texture. Similarly, if the eggs or milk are too cold or too hot, they can alter the texture of the cake. Room temperature ingredients will mix together quickly and smoothly for a consistent batter.
Secondly, sift the dry ingredients together to ensure they are adequately combined and aerated. This step avoids any lumps or dry patches in the final cake.
Thirdly, avoid overmixing by using a mixer at low speed. Over-mixing can lead to tough and dry cake due to overdeveloped gluten.
Fourthly, use high-quality vanilla extract and dried lavender for an intense flavor. The right combination of these aromatic flavors brings out refreshing remarks from your patronizing guests.
Lastly, do not forget to properly measure all ingredients using measuring cups or a kitchen scale instead of estimating them by eye so that you get accurate results
Following these tips guarantees perfect results every time you bake this delightful lavender pound cake. Start with these steps today and impress everyone with your culinary skills!
FAQ
Now that you have learned all about the Lavender Pound Cake recipe, let me address some frequently asked questions to make sure you have all the information you need to make this cake a culinary success.
What’s the difference between Bundt and pound cake?
Have you ever wondered about the dissimilarities between a pound cake and a bundt cake? Although any cake can be prepared as a bundt cake by baking it in a bundt pan, pound cakes have unique features. Pound cakes are conventionally dense and were typically made using a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
Why is it called Elvis Presley pound cake?
According to a piece in Saveur magazine, authored by food historians Jane and Michael Stern, Elvis Presley’s love for traditional, home-cooked meals remained with him, even after he achieved immense success and could indulge in luxurious dishes like caviar and Beef Wellington. They share anecdotes of dining with Elvis fans who feel a sense of affinity towards him based on their shared love of comfort food.
Why is my pound cake not moist?
Sometimes, your cake can end up being too dry. This might be because it was in the oven for too long, or you may have added too much flour and not enough butter or sugar. To manage this, you could perhaps decrease the oven temperature or take the cake out of the oven a bit earlier.
What makes a pound cake tough?
When making pound cake, it’s important to avoid overmixing the batter, as this can cause the cake to become tough and flat. Also, be careful not to overbake the cake. Typically, a pound cake should bake for about an hour, but it’s always worth checking progress once you can really smell that delicious aroma coming from the oven.
Bottom Line
The lavender pound cake recipe is perfect for anyone who loves unique and delicious desserts. With its delicate lavender flavor and moist texture, this cake is sure to please any crowd. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized with different toppings or variations.
So why not step out of your comfort zone and give this amazing recipe a try? I guarantee that you won’t regret it. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat, this lavender pound cake is the perfect addition to any dessert table. So grab your apron and get baking!
Lavender Pound Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 large egg yolks
- 3 1/2 cups cake flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped lavender flowers
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Butter and lightly flour a 13x9x2" baking pan.
- In a mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg yolks one at a time.
- On low speed, add cake flour alternately with milk.
- Beat in baking powder and vanilla.
- Beat in lavender flowers.
- Pour into prepared pan and bake for 50 minutes at 350 degrees, until cake tester inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes, then turn out on to a pretty platter and cool completely.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.