Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake

Name: Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 slices
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon culinary lavender; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Highlighted under: Deluxe Baking Inspirations

I adore baking this Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake for my friends and loved ones. The bright, zesty lemon combined with the floral notes of lavender creates a delightful flavor that’s perfect for celebrating friendships. Each bite is a refreshing experience, and the vibrant color makes it visually appealing. Whether it’s a cozy gathering or a big celebration, this cake transforms any occasion into something special. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, which means more time enjoying with friends and less time stressing in the kitchen!

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-01-05T21:58:28.165Z

When I first decided to make this cake, I was intrigued by the combination of lemon and lavender. I experimented with various proportions until I found the perfect balance. The moment the cake came out of the oven, my whole kitchen was filled with a heavenly scent. Knowing that it not only tastes delightful but also looks stunning makes it a favorite for gatherings.

I usually serve this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze for added sweetness. The key tip is to use culinary lavender to ensure safety and optimize the flavor profile. This unique ingredient elevates the cake and makes it a standout treat at any table!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Bright and refreshing lemon flavor coupled with delicate lavender notes
Light, fluffy cake texture that's perfect for springtime celebrations
Visually stunning, making it an eye-catcher at any gathering

      

Mastering the Texture

Achieving the right texture for the Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake is key to its appeal. The combination of creaming butter and sugar together creates a light and fluffy base. It’s essential to beat them until the mixture is pale and airy—this can take about 3-4 minutes. Avoid overmixing when incorporating the flour and milk; a few lumps are fine as they ensure a tender crumb rather than a dense cake.

When adding the eggs, make sure they’re at room temperature. This allows for better emulsification, leading to a uniform batter. If your eggs are cold, you can place them in warm water for about 10 minutes to quickly bring them to temperature. The right consistency before baking should be pourable but not runny, allowing it to rise nicely in the oven.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

For the floral notes in this recipe, it’s essential to use culinary lavender rather than decorative varieties which may contain chemicals or toxins. You can usually find culinary lavender in specialty grocery stores or online. It enhances the flavor profile beautifully but requires care in measuring. Typically, a tablespoon is sufficient to impart the right amount of lavender flavor without overwhelming the lemon, achieving a delicate balance.

When it comes to lemons, choose the juiciest ones you can find. Meyer lemons, with their sweeter flavor, can be a fantastic alternative for a richer sweetness alongside the floral notes. Additionally, if you prefer a less sweet cake, consider reducing the granulated sugar by about a quarter while still keeping the balance of flavors intact.

Decoration and Serving Ideas

To elevate the visual impression of your cake, consider topping it with edible flowers or a sprinkle of additional culinary lavender. This not only adds to the aesthetic but also hints at the delightful flavors guests can expect. A dusting of powdered sugar on top of the glaze can also create an appealing contrast, enhancing its presentation.

Pair this cake with a light tea or a refreshing lemonade for a delightful spring gathering. It also makes for a perfect base for a brunch spread, where you could serve it alongside fresh berries or lemon curd. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days; freezing is also possible for longer storage, just make sure to wrap individual slices tightly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make this delightful cake:

For the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
½ cup milk
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon culinary lavender
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest

Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your beautiful Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream the Butter and Sugar

In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Flavors

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest, culinary lavender, and vanilla extract.

Combine the Mixtures

Gradually add the dry mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Make the Glaze

While the cake is baking, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.

Cool and Glaze

Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.

Let the glaze set before slicing and serving!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, consider adding a sprinkle of lavender or lemon slices on top of the glaze for decoration.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Baking times can vary slightly based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake towards the 25-minute mark. You’re looking for a golden top and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. If the edges begin to brown too quickly, you can cover them lightly with foil to prevent burning while the center continues to bake successfully.

After removing the cake from the oven, let it rest in the pan for 10 minutes. This cooling period helps prevent the cake from breaking apart when you transfer it to a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before glazing; a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt away rather than remain intact.

Variations to Explore

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can incorporate poppy seeds into the batter for added texture and visual interest, which pairs well with both lemon and lavender. Another delightful variation is to swap out the lavender entirely for fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique twist that’s just as aromatic and pleasing.

For a richer treat, consider layering the cake with a cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze. This adds a creamy element that complements the citrus and floral notes beautifully. Just ensure to adjust the sweetness of the cake where necessary, especially if you’re using a richer frosting.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Fresh lavender can be used, but it may impart a stronger flavor. Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze the cake?

Yes, you can freeze the cake without the glaze. Wrap it tightly and store it for up to 3 months.

→ What can I substitute for the milk?

You can use almond milk or any plant-based milk as a substitute for regular milk.