Looking to impress your guests with a unique and fragrant dessert this holiday season? Our Lavender Honey Cake with a Scent of Lemon & Honey Cream Cheese Icing is the perfect choice. This elegant cake combines the subtle floral notes of lavender with the sweetness of honey and the refreshing zest of lemon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will leave everyone craving for more.
Why Choose Lavender Honey Cake?
Lavender isn’t just a beautiful flower; it brings a sophisticated aroma and taste to your baked goods. When paired with honey and lemon, it creates a balanced and delightful dessert that’s both visually stunning and delicious. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply want to treat yourself, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Lavender Honey Cake:
- 100 g golden granulated or caster sugar
- 1 tsp lavender buds
- 100 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp strong floral honey
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 2 medium eggs
- 150 g spelt flour (half white, half wholemeal)
- 1½ tsp baking powder
- 2 tbsp natural yoghurt
- 2 tbsp water
For the Honey Cream Cheese Icing:
- 125 ml double cream (heavy cream)
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 75 g full-fat cream cheese
- 1 tsp strong floral honey
- 40 g icing sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Lavender Honey Cake
- Infuse the Sugar with Lavender: Start by blitzing the golden granulated sugar and lavender buds together in a power blender or coffee grinder until the lavender is finely ground and evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This step ensures that the floral notes are infused throughout the cake.
- Cream the Butter, Sugar, and Honey: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, infused sugar, and strong floral honey until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This process incorporates air into the batter, giving your cake a tender crumb.
- Add Lemon Zest and Eggs: Grate in the lemon zest and beat the mixture a bit more to combine. Then, add the eggs one by one, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift half of the spelt flour with the baking powder and gently fold it into the batter. Add the natural yoghurt and water, stirring until just combined. Finally, sift in the remaining flour and stir in a squeeze of lemon juice until the batter is smooth.
- Bake the Cake: Spoon the batter into a 15 cm / 6″ greased and lined deep round tin. Bake in a pre-warmed oven at 180°C (350°F, Gas 4) for about 35 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. For a healthier twist, you can use an Optimum HealthyFry air fryer.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from breaking apart and ensures it retains its moisture.
Crafting the Honey Cream Cheese Icing
- Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the double cream until it just holds its shape. This forms the base of your creamy icing.
- Combine Cream Cheese and Honey: Grate the zest of ½ lemon into the whipped cream. Add the full-fat cream cheese, strong floral honey, and icing sugar. Squeeze in a bit of lemon juice to enhance the citrus flavor.
- Mix Until Smooth: Whip the mixture again until everything is well combined and the icing holds its shape. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture that’s perfect for spreading.
Assembling the Cake
- Layer the Cake: Once the cake is completely cool, carefully cut it in half horizontally. Spread half of the honey cream cheese icing over one half, then place the other half on top.
- Frost the Cake: Use the remaining icing to cover the top and sides of the cake. This not only adds flavor but also creates a beautiful, glossy finish.
- Decorate: For an extra festive touch, decorate your cake with seasonal edible flowers or sugar flowers. This enhances the visual appeal and makes your dessert even more inviting.
Tips for the Perfect Lavender Honey Cake
- Balance the Lavender: Lavender can be overpowering if used excessively. Stick to the recommended amount to maintain a subtle floral flavor without any soapy taste.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated lemon zest and high-quality honey can significantly enhance the cake’s flavor profile.
- Experiment with Flours: Spelt flour adds a nutty flavor and a slightly denser texture. You can experiment with different types of flour to suit your preference.
Pair with Other Delicious Recipes
Complement your Lavender Honey Cake with other delightful holiday desserts, such as our Cranberry Orange Cheesecake or Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting. For a cozy beverage pairing, try our Mulled Wine or Hot Chocolate Bombs.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of this Lavender Honey Cake is approximately:
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 134mg
- Sodium: 146mg
- Potassium: 95mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 28g
- Vitamin A: 983 IU
- Vitamin C: 10mg
- Calcium: 92mg
- Iron: 2mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
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Final Thoughts
Our Lavender Honey Cake with Lemon & Honey Cream Cheese Icing is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. The delicate balance of flavors and the elegant presentation make it a standout choice for any occasion. Give it a try and let the enchanting taste of lavender elevate your baking game.
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