The Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake is a delightful treat that combines floral notes with sweet honey for a unique dessert experience. Perfect for brunches, afternoon teas, or simply as a sweet ending to any meal, this cake impresses with its moist texture and aromatic flavor. The harmonious blend of lavender and honey makes it distinctive, inviting everyone to savor each bite.
Why You’ll Love This Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
This cake is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and easy to make.
- Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of lavender and honey creates a delightful taste that sets this cake apart from others.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family gathering or a fancy brunch, this cake fits right in.
- Moist and Fluffy Texture: The use of sour cream ensures that the cake stays moist while being incredibly light.
- Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can whip up this coffee cake with ease.
- Beautiful Presentation: The lovely lavender specks make this cake visually appealing, perfect for impressing guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- 9-inch springform or cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Helps achieve a fluffy batter by thoroughly mixing ingredients without tiring your arms.
- 9-inch springform or cake pan: Allows for easy removal of the cake once baked, maintaining its shape.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for separating dry and wet ingredients before combining them into the batter.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp plus 1/4 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp plus 1/4 tsp baking soda
Wet Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 lg egg plus 1 egg yolk
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried lavender
For The Streusel
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
How to Make Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease your 9-inch springform or cake pan with butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Streusel
In a bowl, combine:
* 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
* 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
* 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Mix well and set aside.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
* 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
* 1/2 tsp plus 1/4 tsp baking powder
* 1/2 tsp plus 1/4 tsp baking soda
Set this mixture aside as well.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using your stand mixer, beat:
* 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
with:
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Mix on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add Honey and Eggs
Add:
* 1/4 cup honey
Beat for another 30 seconds. Then add:
* 1 lg egg plus 1 egg yolk, one at a time. Scrape down the sides after each addition.
Step 6: Incorporate Lavender
Add:
* 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried lavender
Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until well combined.
Step 7: Mix in Sour Cream and Flour
Add half of:
* 3/4 cup sour cream
and half of the flour mixture. Mix until combined. Then add the rest of the sour cream and flour. Mix well until fully blended.
Step 8: Layer the Batter and Streusel
Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Pour in the remaining batter and spread evenly. Top with the remaining streusel.
Step 9: Bake
Place in the oven and check after about 30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check if it comes out clean (without crumbs). Baking may take closer to 40-45 minutes total. If you gently push on top, it should spring back when done.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Let cool before slicing into pieces. You can store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy your delicious Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake!
How to Serve Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake is not just a delightful dessert; it can also be a versatile treat for various occasions. Whether you are hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some creative serving suggestions.
Pair with Fresh Fruit
- Berries: Serve slices of the cake alongside fresh strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a burst of flavor.
- Citrus Slices: A side of orange or grapefruit slices can add a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
Enjoy with Beverages
- Coffee: A classic pairing, serve with a hot cup of coffee to enhance the flavors of the lavender and honey.
- Tea: Herbal teas, such as chamomile or mint, complement the floral notes beautifully.
Create a Dessert Plate
- Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or honey ice cream on the side makes for an indulgent treat.
- Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can add richness and texture to each bite.
How to Perfect Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
To achieve the best results with your Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake, consider these helpful tips.
- Use fresh lavender: Always opt for culinary-grade lavender for the best flavor. Dried lavender can lose its potency over time.
- Room temperature ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and improves texture.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding flour. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake instead of a light and fluffy one.
- Check doneness properly: Use a toothpick to ensure your cake is fully baked. A few crumbs are fine, but it shouldn’t be wet.
- Cool completely before slicing: Letting your cake cool allows it to set properly, making it easier to slice without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
Pairing side dishes with your Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options that complement this unique cake perfectly.
- Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pairs well with the floral flavors.
- Granola: Sprinkling granola on top adds crunch and an additional layer of flavor.
- Chia Seed Pudding: This healthy option offers texture and nutty flavors that work well with coffee cake.
- Honey Drizzle: A simple drizzle of honey enhances the honey flavor in the cake itself and adds sweetness.
- Marmalade Spread: Citrus marmalade provides a zesty contrast that brightens each bite of cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When baking the Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that could affect the final result. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid.
- Skipping the room temperature butter: Using cold butter can prevent your cake from achieving the light and fluffy texture. Always ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until combined for a light texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can ruin your cake’s structure. Use kitchen scales or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring oven temperature: An incorrect oven temperature affects baking time and doneness. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Neglecting to cool the cake: Cutting into a hot cake can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool in the pan before slicing for clean pieces.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Instructions
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, wrap in foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 20-30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover with a lid, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Yes, you can use fresh lavender! Just remember that fresh herbs have a more potent flavor, so use less than the dried amount.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream and will keep your Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake moist.
How can I enhance the honey flavor?
To boost the honey taste, consider using a honey glaze on top of the cooled cake or drizzling honey before serving.
Is this cake suitable for brunch?
Absolutely! The Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake makes a delightful addition to any brunch spread with its unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
The Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. This delightful dessert can be enjoyed as an afternoon snack or served at special gatherings. Feel free to customize it by adding fruits or nuts according to your preference!
Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Experience the perfect blend of floral and sweet with our Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake, a delightful dessert that transforms any gathering into a special occasion. This moist, fluffy cake is infused with fragrant lavender and rich honey, making it an irresistible treat for brunches, afternoon teas, or as a sweet ending to your meals. With its easy-to-follow recipe and beautiful presentation, this cake is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy each bite of this unique dessert that not only tastes amazing but also adds a touch of elegance to any table.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3/4 cup sour cream
- 1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp dried lavender
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for streusel)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (for streusel)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for streusel)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9-inch springform pan.
- Prepare the streusel by mixing brown sugar, walnuts, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add honey, eggs, and lavender.
- Mix in half of the sour cream and flour mixture; then add the rest until combined.
- Layer half the batter in the pan, sprinkle with half the streusel, add remaining batter, and top with remaining streusel.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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