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Perfect Gemini Season Birthday Cake Recipe with Easy Lemon Lavender Layers

lemon lavender cake - featured image
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A light and bright lemon lavender layer cake perfect for birthdays and spring celebrations, combining zesty lemon with delicate floral notes in a moist, tender crumb.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature (can substitute with almond milk)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 2 medium lemons
  • ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp culinary lavender buds, finely ground (use dried culinary lavender, not decorative)
  • For the frosting:
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 ½ cups (440g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream (for consistency)
  • Optional: a pinch of lavender buds for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground lavender buds. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next.
  5. Stir in lemon zest and vanilla extract.
  6. Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk and lemon juice, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Start checking at 30 minutes.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. To make frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in vanilla extract and lemon juice. Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until spreadable consistency is reached.
  11. Assemble cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading frosting evenly, topping with second layer, and frosting top and sides. Garnish with a pinch of lavender buds if desired.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for zest and juice for best flavor. Grind lavender finely to avoid chewy bits. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy for tender crumb. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Chill frosting if too soft before spreading. Slice domed cake tops for flat layers to ease assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon cake, lavender cake, birthday cake, layered cake, lemon lavender, easy cake recipe, spring cake, floral cake, Gemini season cake

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/perfect-gemini-season-birthday-cake-recipe-with-easy-lemon-lavender-layers/