Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream
A delicate springtime dessert featuring layers of lemon-infused cake scented with dried lavender, frosted with a smooth honey buttercream. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 12, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks), softened unsalted butter
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp, finely crushed dried culinary lavender
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tbsp finely crushed dried culinary lavender until evenly combined.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, cream 1 cup softened unsalted butter with 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes.
- Step 4: Add 4 large eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in 1 tsp vanilla extract and 2 tbsp fresh lemon zest.
- Step 5: Alternately add the flour mixture and 1 cup whole milk mixed with 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool pans on wire racks for 10 minutes before removing cakes to cool completely.
- Step 7: For the honey buttercream, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter until fluffy, then gradually add 4 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup honey, and 2 tbsp heavy cream. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
- Step 8: Assemble the cooled cakes by frosting between layers and all over the top and sides with the honey buttercream. Chill for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (25 min prep + 30 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Lemon Lavender Layer Cake with Honey Buttercream?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
