Lavendar Blueberry Cake

Late summer fields of lavender have me dreaming of traveling to the south of France — and finding ways to infuse my baking with this seasonal delight

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I’m breathing in calm deliciousness.

This year to my surprise, my lavender grew back in one of my flower boxes which inspired me to incorporate it into one of my cakes. I didn’t have a lot, but our wonderful landscaper, Beau, had a massive patch from his own garden and supplied us weekly to make cake and simple syrup.

With his last two batches, he wasn’t sure if I could use them because the beautiful purple hue dimmed to a light gray with just of hint of its lavender color. But I was confident that with a little soak and boil the flavor would come through.

This has been a wonderful addition to my baking rotation. We only have a bit of summer blooms left, so if you can — come on in and grab a slice or bake up one for yourself. And don’t worry, dried lavender is just as wonderful to use for the cakes if you can’t get ahold of any of it fresh.

(2) 9-inch round cake pans lined and greased

350 degrees for 30 minutes 

Ingredients:

Dry

• 3 cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 tsp baking soda (sift in)

Wet

• 2 cups lavender infused milk (I use oat)
• 1 cup safflower oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 Tbsp vanilla

Frosting

• 1 lb. powder sugar
• 16 oz earth balance butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 tsp lemon extract

Filling

• Blueberry jelly
• Or homemade blueberry compote (directions below)

Milk

Directions:

1. Measure 2 cups of milk add 1/2 cup of lavender, stems are fine
2. Bring to a boil and let cool. Strain out, milk will boil down so add additional milk to measure 2 full cups
3. Add wet to dry, pouring equally into two pans and bake

*Bonne Maman jelly is my favorite brand of jam, but you can quickly make a compote of your choice. I think blueberry is a great combo.

Blueberry Compote

Ingredients:

• Pint of blueberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• Inch strip of lemon rind

Directions:

1. Simmer in a saucepan or pot till it slightly start to thicken
2. Cool and add to the center of your cake filling

Frosting

Directions:

1. Soften butter for about 15 minutes
2. Add to mixer or hand mixer in a bowl, Mix till blended. Add powdered sugar, little by little, then add Vanilla extract and mix for 7-10 minutes till fluffy.

Assemble:

First layer

Frosting

Compote or jelly

Second Layer

Frosting

—Lea Haas, Owner, The Garden Cafe Woodstock