Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake

Name: Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup whole milk; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tbsp culinary lavender; Zest of 2 lemons; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; Zest of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Fresh Baking Recipes

I love celebrating Galentine's Day with my friends, and this Lemon Lavender Cake is always a hit! It's a delightful combination of zesty lemon and fragrant lavender that brings a floral charm to any gathering. The moist, fluffy texture paired with a light lemon glaze makes every bite a refreshing treat. I enjoy crafting this cake, as it’s a beautiful centerpiece and gives me a chance to showcase my love for baking. Whether for a Galentine's brunch or just a quiet get-together, this cake adds a touch of elegance to the celebration.

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-05T17:40:58.578Z

Baking this Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake is a labor of love for me. Each step, from infusing the lavender to creating the lemon glaze, brings joy and anticipation. I learned that using culinary-grade lavender makes a significant difference in flavor without overwhelming the cake. This bouquet of flavors is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something magical.

One memorable Galentine's Day, I surprised my friends with this cake, and the reactions were priceless! They adored the light floral notes combined with rich lemon. One tip I have is to ensure you don’t over-bake; a toothpick should come out just clean for that perfect moist texture. Enjoying it together created beautiful memories!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Bright and zesty flavor paired with aromatic lavender
Moist texture that is both fluffy and decadent
Visually stunning cake perfect for celebrations

      

Understanding Lavender in Baking

Culinary lavender adds a unique floral note to this cake, enhancing its overall flavor profile. Be sure to use culinary-grade lavender, as not all lavender varieties are safe for consumption. If preferred, you can substitute lavender with other floral flavors like chamomile or elderflower, although this will alter the cake's characteristic taste.

When incorporating lavender, it's important to use it sparingly—too much can become overpowering. I recommend starting with the specified 1 tablespoon and adjusting to your taste in future bakes. You might also experiment with infusing the milk with lavender by heating it with the flowers, then straining before adding to your batter.

Tips for a Perfectly Stacked Cake

For an elegant presentation, it's crucial to ensure your cake layers are completely cooled before stacking. If you find your layers have domed slightly, use a serrated knife to level them off for a more even assembly. This not only makes for a prettier cake but also helps the layers to stay stable.

Applying a thin layer of lemon glaze between the cake layers can enhance the lemon flavor and help the cake stay moist. Additionally, if you want extra height and drama, consider adding a layer of lemon curd or whipped cream on the inside before stacking the second layer.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake:

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup whole milk
3 large eggs
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp culinary lavender
Zest of 2 lemons
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Lemon Glaze Ingredients

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon

Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately for best results!

Instructions

Follow these steps to prepare your cake:

Preheat the Oven

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

Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lemon zest and lavender.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool.

Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice if necessary.

Assemble the Cake

Once the cakes are cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Drizzle with lemon glaze, then top with the second layer, and drizzle more glaze on top.

Enjoy your delicious and beautiful Galentine's Lemon Lavender Cake!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use fresh lemon juice and zest. Make sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting off.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Lemon Lavender Cake can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for party planning. You can prepare the cake layers up to two days in advance. Just wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap once cooled and store them in the refrigerator. This helps to retain their moisture and flavor.

If you're looking to save space, the unglazed cake layers can also be frozen. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before decorating.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

For those who wish to deepen the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the cake batter. This subtle addition can complement the lemon and lavender beautifully. Additionally, you can experiment with different citrus zest, such as orange or lime, for a varied citrus experience.

To introduce more moisture, adding a tablespoon of sour cream or yogurt to the batter is an excellent technique. This helps maintain a tender crumb while also enhancing the cake's flavor depth.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried lavender?

Yes, but ensure it is culinary-grade and use less than the recommended amount for fresh lavender.

→ How should I store leftovers?

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

→ Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! The cake can be baked and stored (unfrosted) for a couple of days in advance.

→ What if I don’t have cake pans?

You can use a single larger cake pan and slice the cake horizontally to create layers, though baking time may vary.