How to Make a Lavender Apple Layered Cake
Lavender Apple Layered Cake is sweet, tart, a tad floral all in one caramelized bite!
Have you ever dreamt of combining the fragrant essence of lavender with the sweet, tangy delight of apples in a cake? Well, get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Lavender Apple Layered Cake! This delightful dessert is perfect for special occasions or just when you want to treat yourself. Follow along as we take you through the steps to create this beautiful and delicious cake.
To start off, let's gather all our ingredients. For the cake batter, you'll need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, eggs, milk, and, of course, some finely chopped apples and dried lavender buds. The apples you choose can greatly affect the flavor, so we recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Also, infusing your sugar with lavender a day before will add that extra aromatic touch.
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt, setting it aside. In another bowl, beat the butter and lavender-infused sugar together until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Gradually add the flour mixture and milk, alternating between the two, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Fold in the chopped apples gently.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. While the cakes are cooling, let's move on to the lavender apple buttercream frosting. You’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, milk, and a bit more of that lovely dried lavender.
To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue beating until the mixture is fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and milk, beating until smooth. For an extra burst of flavor, steep the lavender in a little bit of hot milk before adding it to the buttercream. This ensures the frosting has a delightful hint of lavender without any noticeable buds.
Now for the fun part - assembling your Lavender Apple Layered Cake! Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous amount of frosting over the top. Repeat this with the second and third layers, making sure each layer is even. Finally, frost the top and sides of the cake. If you're feeling fancy, you can decorate the cake with additional apple slices and a sprinkle of lavender buds.
And voila! Your Lavender Apple Layered Cake is ready to be enjoyed. This cake is not only visually appealing but also mouthwateringly good. The combination of lavender and apple creates a unique flavor profile that is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and worth every bite. Happy baking!