Lavender Peach Cake

Oh wow, this Lavender Peach Cake is so good. I took one bite and just smiled. It smells sweet and soft, like a sunny day.

I mix juicy peaches with a little lavender, and oh my, it works. The peach is bright and fresh. The lavender is light and calm, and it makes me slow down.

When I bake this, my whole kitchen smells warm and happy. The cake is soft and moist, and the top is just perfect. I always go back for one more slice, you know?

So, if you want a cake that feels a bit fancy but still easy, I say try this one. I promise, it’s simple and so worth it. Let’s bake this Lavender Peach Cake together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Floral and Fruity Fusion: The combination of lavender and peach creates a unique balance of fragrance and sweetness that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
• Moist and Tender: This cake is soft and moist, thanks to the perfect blend of butter, milk, and eggs.
• Versatile and Easy to Make: Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this cake is easy to make and looks stunning.
• Perfect for Every Occasion: From weddings to casual gatherings, this cake is versatile enough for any celebration.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can bake the cake in advance, making it an excellent choice for stress-free party planning.

Required Kitchen Tools

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Lavender Peach Cake:

• Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand Mixer): To cream the butter and sugar together and mix the cake batter.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining the dry ingredients and wet ingredients.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurements of ingredients.
• 8-inch Round Cake Pans (or similar): To bake the cake layers.
• Parchment Paper: To line the cake pans, ensuring the cake comes out easily.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cakes once they’re out of the oven.
• Spatula or Offset Knife: For frosting the cake evenly.

Ingredients for Lavender Peach Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make the cake itself (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cake and provides structure.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the lavender’s floral notes and sweetens the cake.
• Unsalted butter: Provides moisture and richness, making the cake soft and tender.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps with the texture of the cake.
• Large eggs: Bind all the ingredients together, adding to the cake’s structure.
• Baking powder: Helps the cake rise and gives it the light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness of the cake and helps balance the flavors.
• Dried lavender buds: This is the star of the cake, infusing it with a distinct floral flavor.
• Peaches (sliced): Fresh peaches provide natural sweetness and juiciness for a refreshing flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

For the Peach Filling:

• Peach preserves: Adds an extra layer of peachy sweetness and provides a gooey filling between the layers.

For the Lavender Frosting:

• Unsalted butter: The base of the frosting, creating a smooth and creamy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting and helps it hold its shape.
• Milk: Adjusts the consistency of the frosting to make it easy to spread.
• Crushed lavender buds: These will infuse the frosting with a delicate lavender flavor, tying the whole cake together.

Variations for Lavender Peach Cake

• Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: If you prefer a warm, spiced note to complement the peach, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cake batter.
• Use Honey: For a more natural sweetness, you can replace some of the sugar with honey in the frosting or cake.
• Try Other Fruits: If peaches aren’t in season, feel free to experiment with other fruits like nectarines or apricots for a different twist.
• Add Almond Extract: A small splash of almond extract in the cake batter or frosting will enhance the peach flavor and add another layer of depth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Pans

Before you start making the cake, prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick spray and lining the bottom with parchment paper. This ensures the cake will come out easily after baking.

2. Infuse the Lavender

To infuse the lavender flavor into the cake, gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Once it starts to warm, add the dried lavender buds and stir to combine. Let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, then remove from heat. Allow the lavender milk to cool completely before using it in the batter. This step is essential for releasing the floral notes from the lavender.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which will take about 3 minutes. This step is key to achieving a soft and tender cake.

4. Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. These ingredients will help to create a smooth batter.

5. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

6. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the cooled lavender-infused milk. Start by adding a third of the flour, then a third of the milk, and repeat. Mix each addition until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a dense cake.

7. Fold in the Peaches

Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in the sliced peaches. The peaches will add moisture and sweetness to the cake, so be sure to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.

8. Bake the Cake

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Prepare the Lavender Frosting

While the cake cools, prepare the lavender frosting. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated. Add the milk, a little at a time, to achieve the desired consistency. Finally, mix in the crushed lavender buds, which will infuse the frosting with a beautiful floral aroma.

10. Assemble the Cake

Once the cake layers are completely cool, spread a layer of peach preserves over the top of one of the cake layers. Then, place the second cake layer on top. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the lavender frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. For a decorative touch, you can garnish the top with fresh peach slices or extra lavender buds.

Serving and Decoration

This Lavender Peach Cake is perfect for serving at a variety of occasions, from birthdays to bridal showers to casual afternoon gatherings. Here’s how you can serve it:

• For a Simple Presentation: Serve the cake as-is, with just the frosting and a few peach slices on top for decoration.
• For a Festive Touch: Garnish the cake with edible flowers or fresh herbs like mint or thyme to add a pop of color and freshness.
• With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair a slice of cake with a scoop of vanilla or peach ice cream for a delightful dessert.

Storing Lavender Peach Cake

• Leftover Cake: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If the weather is particularly warm, you can refrigerate the cake to keep it fresh longer.
• Frosting: If you have leftover frosting, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its smooth texture.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Total Fat	Saturated Fat	Carbohydrates	Fiber	Sugar	Protein
1 Slice (1/12 of cake)	~400	22g	14g	51g	1g	39g	3g

Conclusion

The Lavender Peach Cake is an exceptional dessert that will undoubtedly be the star of any event. The combination of floral lavender and juicy peaches creates a one-of-a-kind flavor profile that everyone will love. With easy-to-follow instructions and the ability to prepare it in advance, this cake is the perfect addition to your baking repertoire. So go ahead, try it out, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of this heavenly dessert!