Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake

Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake is a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tangy flavor of blueberries with rich chocolate and a hint of lavender. This unique blend makes for a cake that is not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for any special occasion or just a cozy afternoon at home.

Why Make This Recipe

You should definitely try making this cake because it offers a wonderful combination of flavors. The sweetness of the blueberries pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate, while the lavender adds an aromatic twist that sets this cake apart from the usual desserts. It’s a great way to impress your friends and family with something different yet familiar, and it showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully.

How to Make Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake

Ingredients:

1 3⁄4 cups all-purpose flour
3⁄4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp culinary lavender, finely ground
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
1/2 cup butter, softened for frosting
4 oz cream cheese
3 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp blueberry puree
1/2 tsp lavender extract or 1/2 tsp ground culinary lavender

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and line two 8-inch round pans.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground lavender.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until fluffy.
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Alternate mixing in the flour mixture and buttermilk until everything is just combined.
Gently fold in the blueberries and chocolate chips.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool completely.
For the frosting, beat the softened butter and cream cheese together until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Then mix in the blueberry puree and lavender extract.
Frost the cooled cakes with the prepared frosting.

How to Serve Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake

Serve this cake at room temperature for the best flavor. You can slice it and enjoy it plain, or add a dollop of whipped cream or fresh blueberries on top for a decorative touch. It makes a great dessert for birthdays, gatherings, or any celebration.

How to Store Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake

Store the leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure it’s sealed well to maintain its freshness and flavor.

Tips to Make Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Cake

Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour; this will help keep the cake light and fluffy.
If you can’t find culinary lavender, you can leave it out, but you might miss that unique flavor.

Variation

You can experiment with this recipe by adding different fruits, like raspberries or strawberries, instead of blueberries. You can also try using white chocolate chips for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen blueberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries, but be sure to add them while they’re still frozen to prevent the batter from turning blue.

2. Is it necessary to use buttermilk?
Buttermilk helps keep the cake moist and adds a nice flavor. If you don’t have it, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cakes a day or two in advance. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them at room temperature until you’re ready to frost and serve.