Lemon Lavender Cake

Lemon Lavender Cake is a delightful and aromatic dessert that's perfect for any occasion. Here's a simple recipe:

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tbsp dried lavender buds, finely chopped

For the frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp dried lavender buds, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the lemon zest and chopped lavender buds.
7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
9. Remove the pans from the oven and let the cakes cool for a few minutes.
10. In the meantime, prepare the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and chopped lavender buds, and mix until smooth and creamy.
11. Once the cakes have cooled, remove them from the pans and place one cake layer on a cake plate or stand.
12. Spread a layer of frosting over the top of the cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top.
13. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining frosting.
14. Garnish the cake with additional lemon zest and lavender buds, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic Lemon Lavender Cake!