Oh, let me tell you about this blackberry lavender cake! The first time I made it, I was at a family gathering, and the aroma wafted through the house, making everyone pause and wonder what magic was happening in the kitchen. The sweet and tart burst of fresh blackberries paired with the delicate floral notes of lavender creates a flavor combination that’s simply divine! Each slice feels like a little celebration, and I can’t help but smile when I see everyone enjoying it. Trust me, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds; it’s an experience that appeals to all your senses. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this fragrant delight!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful blackberry lavender cake! Make sure to grab the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Here’s the rundown:
- 1 cup fresh blackberries: Look for plump, juicy berries that are deep purple in color.
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender: This adds a wonderful floral note—just don’t go overboard!
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Make sure it’s measured properly for a light texture.
- 1 cup sugar: This sweetens the cake beautifully.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Let it sit out for a bit until it’s nice and creamy.
- 2 eggs: These help bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: This gives the cake that lovely rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to enhance all those flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk: Use whole milk for a richer taste.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re all set to make something truly delicious!
How to Prepare Blackberry Lavender Cake
Now, let’s dive into making this gorgeous blackberry lavender cake! It’s a simple process that brings all those delightful flavors together. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning cake in no time!
Prepping Your Ingredients
First things first—let’s get organized! Measure out all your ingredients before you start. It makes everything smoother and more enjoyable! I like to lay them out on the counter so I can easily grab what I need as I go. Trust me, it saves time and keeps the chaos to a minimum!
Mixing the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy—about 2-3 minutes should do it. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and dried lavender. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. This helps keep the batter smooth and prevents clumps. Finally, gently fold in the fresh blackberries, being careful not to crush them; you want those beautiful bursts of flavor throughout your cake!
Baking the Cake
Now that your batter is ready, pour it into your greased and floured cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I always like to check a couple of minutes earlier, just in case! Once baked, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The anticipation is half the fun, so take a moment to inhale that lovely aroma!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I can’t provide exact numbers, a typical slice of this blackberry lavender cake has around 220 calories, with about 8g of fat, 3g of protein, and 32g of carbohydrates. Always a good idea to check those labels for the most accurate info!
Tips for Success
To ensure your blackberry lavender cake turns out perfectly, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your butter is truly softened—if it’s too cold, it won’t cream well, and your cake may end up dense. Also, when folding in the blackberries, go gently so they don’t break apart; you want those lovely bursts of fruit in each bite! If you’re feeling adventurous, a touch of lemon zest can brighten the flavors even more. And don’t skip the cooling step—letting the cake rest helps it set and makes it easier to slice. Happy baking!
Variations of Blackberry Lavender Cake
If you want to switch things up a bit, there are plenty of delicious variations you can try! For a fruity twist, feel free to substitute fresh blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries—each will bring its own unique flavor. You could also experiment by adding a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a citrusy kick. Want a more decadent treat? Drizzle some chocolate ganache on top before serving for a luxurious touch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your blackberry lavender cake fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, try refrigerating it, where it can last about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, just pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up without drying it out. It’ll taste just as delightful as the day you baked it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This blackberry lavender cake is not just delicious; it’s a joyful experience to make and share! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe:
- It’s super easy to whip up, even for beginners!
- The unique flavor combination is sure to impress your family and friends.
- Fresh blackberries add a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
- Perfect for any occasion—be it a celebration or a casual dessert night.
- It’s versatile—feel free to experiment with different fruits or add-ins!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.
What can I substitute for dried lavender?
If you can’t find dried lavender, feel free to use a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a different, but still delightful flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
Keep any remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake it a day in advance; just make sure to store it properly and let it cool completely before wrapping.
What’s the best way to serve this cake?
I love serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious pairing!
Blackberry Lavender Cake: 5 Steps to Pure Bliss
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and fragrant cake made with fresh blackberries and infused with lavender.
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt, and lavender.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the creamed mixture alternately with milk.
- Gently fold in the blackberries.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Can substitute blackberries with other berries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: blackberry lavender cake, dessert, baking, cake recipe