This Lemon Lavender Cake is a beautifully balanced dessert that combines bright citrus flavor with the delicate, floral essence of culinary lavender. The result is a cake that feels elegant yet comforting, light yet rich, and simple enough to make at home while tasting like something from a specialty bakery.

Infusing lavender into warm almond milk creates a naturally aromatic base that carries throughout the cake layers and frosting without overpowering the texture. Fresh lemon juice and zest add vibrancy, while vanilla rounds everything out with a soft sweetness. Each bite is moist, tender, and layered with subtle complexity.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Lavender Cake

This cake is more than just visually appealing. It delivers a unique flavor experience that feels fresh, natural, and perfectly suited for spring gatherings, celebrations, or an afternoon treat with tea.

• Moist and tender crumb with a soft, cake-flour-like texture
• Natural flavor from real lavender, lemon, and vanilla
• Perfect balance of floral, citrusy, and sweet notes
• Completely vegan and dairy-free
• Easy to prepare with simple techniques
• Elegant enough for special occasions

The Secret to the Flavor: Lavender-Infused Milk

The most important technique in this recipe is brewing culinary lavender into warm almond milk. This step gently extracts the floral aroma and distributes it evenly throughout the batter and frosting.

Unlike adding dried lavender directly into the cake, steeping it into milk ensures a smooth texture while delivering consistent flavor. It’s similar to making tea, and it allows the lavender to enhance the cake rather than dominate it.

Using Fresh Ingredients Makes All the Difference

Because this cake relies on simple ingredients, freshness is key. Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides brightness that bottled juice cannot replicate, while lemon zest adds concentrated citrus oils that make the flavor pop.

Using culinary-grade lavender ensures the floral notes are pleasant and food-safe. Pure vanilla extract deepens the flavor profile and complements both the lemon and lavender beautifully.

Ingredients

For the Lavender Milk

• 1 1/4 cups almond milk
• 1 tablespoon culinary-grade lavender, plus extra for garnish

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 1 2/3 cups white sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons lemon zest
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the Lavender Frosting

• 1 cup vegan butter, softened
• Reserved lavender milk
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Powdered sugar

How to Make Lemon Lavender Cake?

Step 1: Infuse the Lavender

Warm the almond milk until very hot but not boiling. Add the culinary lavender and let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Strain out the flowers and allow the milk to cool slightly. This infused milk will flavor both the cake and the frosting.

Step 2: Prepare the Pans

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line two 9-inch cake pans with parchment circles, lightly grease them, and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened vegan butter and sugar together for about two minutes until light and creamy. This step helps create a fluffy cake structure.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Mix in the lavender milk, reserving a small amount for the frosting. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Blend until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Incorporate the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. The cornstarch works with the flour to mimic cake flour, producing a lighter, softer crumb.

Step 6: Bake the Layers

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 33 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool for 15 minutes before transferring them to a rack to cool completely.

Making the Lavender Buttercream Frosting

Beat the vegan butter until light and fluffy. Add the remaining lavender milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, then gradually mix in powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth and spreadable.

If desired, add a tiny amount of red and blue coloring to create a soft lavender hue that visually reflects the flavor.

Assembling the Cake

Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread an even layer of frosting over the top. Add the second layer and frost the top and sides generously.

For decoration, sprinkle a few culinary lavender flowers around the edges. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before slicing to achieve clean, beautiful layers.

Flavor Profile: What Makes This Cake Unique

This cake is all about harmony. The lemon provides brightness and freshness, the lavender adds a gentle floral sophistication, and the vanilla smooths everything into a cohesive dessert.

The texture is light yet rich, making it satisfying without feeling heavy. It’s a cake that surprises people in the best way, especially those trying lavender in baking for the first time.

Tips for Success

• Use culinary-grade lavender only to ensure a pleasant flavor.
• Do not over-steep the lavender or it may become too strong.
• Fresh lemon juice and zest are essential for vibrant taste.
• Allow cakes to cool completely before frosting.
• Chill briefly before slicing for clean presentation.

Storage Instructions

Store the cake in an airtight container for up to 4 to 5 days. If your kitchen is warm, keep it refrigerated to maintain freshness and frosting stability.

Before serving from the refrigerator, allow the cake to sit at room temperature for a short time to soften and enhance the flavors.

A Perfect Citrus Tea Cake for Any Occasion

This Lemon Lavender Cake feels equally at home at a spring brunch, birthday celebration, afternoon tea, or casual gathering. The tea-infused technique makes it stand out from traditional cakes while remaining approachable and easy to prepare.

Lavender brings a sense of creativity and elegance to baking, transforming simple ingredients into something memorable. Once you try this method, it opens the door to experimenting with other infused flavors as well.

Recipe Highlights

• Flavorful and aromatic
• Moist and tender texture
• Rich yet balanced
• Vegan and dairy-free
• Simple technique with impressive results
• Made with fresh, natural ingredients

This Lemon Lavender Cake is a celebration of fresh citrus, floral warmth, and homemade comfort. Whether you are baking for guests or simply treating yourself, it’s a recipe that feels special every single time.