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Sweet Raspberry Lavender Cake is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the floral notes of lavender with the tart sweetness of fresh raspberries. This cake is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor, making it an ideal choice for special occasions or a charming afternoon tea. With its unique combination of ingredients, this cake will surely impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Follow this easy recipe to create your own Sweet Raspberry Lavender Cake at home!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: Lavender sprigs for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Lavender
In a small bowl, combine the culinary lavender with a tablespoon of sugar and rub it together to release the oils. This will enhance the lavender flavor in your cake.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the lavender-sugar mixture until well combined.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
Add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 6: Combine Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 7: Fold in Raspberries
Gently fold in the fresh raspberries, taking care not to break them apart too much.
Step 8: Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 9: Cool the Cakes
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Serve
Once the cakes are completely cooled, dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with lavender sprigs if desired. Slice and enjoy your delicious Sweet Raspberry Lavender Cake!
FAQs
Can I use dried lavender instead of culinary lavender?
It is recommended to use culinary lavender for baking, as it is specifically grown for culinary use and is safe to consume. Dried lavender may not be suitable for food preparation.
How can I store leftover cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for longer storage.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What can I serve with Sweet Raspberry Lavender Cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. A cup of herbal tea also complements its flavors beautifully.
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