Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake

Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake is a delightful and aromatic dessert that brings a unique twist to your traditional coffee cake. This cake is perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or as a sweet treat after dinner. With its moist texture and fragrant lavender flavor, it stands out on any dessert table and impresses guests with its beautiful presentation and taste. Enjoy this cake at various occasions, from casual gatherings to special celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake

This coffee cake offers something special that will leave you craving more.

• Unique Flavor: The combination of lavender and honey creates a distinctive taste that elevates your baking game.
• Moist Texture: Thanks to sour cream, this cake remains incredibly moist and fluffy.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can make this delightful dessert.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with your afternoon tea.
• Impressive Presentation: The streusel topping adds a beautiful finish that makes it a standout centerpiece.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking, gather the essential tools that will help you create this delicious Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• 9-inch springform or cake pan

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: Makes it easy to achieve a light and fluffy batter by efficiently creaming butter and sugar.
• Mixing bowls: Helps in organizing ingredients separately for smoother preparation.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate measurements of dry and wet ingredients for consistent results.

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 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
• 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 large 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 the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9-inch springform or cake pan with butter.

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

Set aside while preparing the batter.

Step 3: Whisk 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

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer, beat:
* 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)
* 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Honey and Eggs

Add:
* 1/4 cup honey

Beat for an additional 30 seconds. Then add:
* 1 tsp vanilla extract
* 1 large egg
* 1 egg yolk

Scrape down the sides after each addition.

Step 6: Incorporate Lavender

Add:
* 3 Tbsp dried lavender

Mix on low speed for about 30 seconds until combined.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half of:
* Sour cream (3/8 cup)
and half of the flour mixture. Mix well. Then add the remaining sour cream and flour mixture. Blend until just combined.

Step 8: Assemble the Cake

Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the streusel on top. Pour in the rest of the batter and spread it evenly. Top with remaining streusel.

Step 9: Bake

Place in the oven and bake for about:
40-45 minutes. Check after about:
30 minutes using a toothpick; it should come out clean without crumbs or wetness. Gently press the top; it should spring back when done.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Allow to cool before slicing. Store covered at room temperature for up to three days. Enjoy your freshly baked Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake!

How to Serve Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake

Serving Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake can elevate your dessert experience. This delightful cake pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its floral and sweet notes.

With Fresh Berries

• Fresh berries such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a burst of color and tartness, balancing the sweetness of the coffee cake perfectly.

Accompanied by Whipped Cream

• A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream provides a creamy contrast to the light texture of the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.

Paired with a Cup of Tea

• Enjoying this cake with a warm cup of tea brings out the lavender flavors, creating a relaxing afternoon treat that’s perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Served Warm with Honey Drizzle

• Heating the cake slightly and drizzling it with extra honey intensifies the sweetness and adds a lovely shine, making it visually appealing and delicious.

Garnished with Edible Flowers

• Adding edible flowers not only enhances the presentation but also complements the lavender flavor, adding an elegant touch to your serving style.

How to Perfect Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake

To achieve the best results when baking Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake, consider these helpful tips for perfection.

• Use fresh lavender: Fresh culinary lavender offers a more vibrant flavor compared to dried. If using dried, ensure it’s labeled safe for culinary use.
• Room temperature ingredients: Ensure that butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
• Don’t overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense coffee cake.
• Check for doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center to check if your cake is baked through. It should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.
• Cool before slicing: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Cooling helps maintain its structure when sliced.
• Store properly: Keep any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days to maintain its moisture and freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake

Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake can be complemented by various side dishes. Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully with this delightful dessert.

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits creates a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the fluffy cake.
3. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese pairs well, adding savory notes that enhance your coffee cake experience.
4. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light cucumber sandwiches provide crunch and freshness while being easy to prepare as an accompaniment.
5. Herbal Infused Iced Tea: The herbal notes in iced tea complement lavender flavors beautifully while offering a refreshing beverage option.
6. Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Decadent chocolate-covered strawberries offer an indulgent treat alongside your coffee cake for those who crave something sweet.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Baking can be tricky, especially when preparing a unique dessert like Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Using cold ingredients: Always ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. Cold ingredients can result in a dense cake.
• Not measuring accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups carefully to avoid too much or too little of an ingredient.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can lead to tough cake. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
• Ignoring the oven temperature: Different ovens may vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy for even baking.
• Skipping the cooling time: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. This helps maintain its structure and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store the Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake in an airtight container.
• It will remain fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• The coffee cake can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cake on a baking sheet and warm it for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake special?

The combination of lavender and honey provides a unique flavor that sets this coffee cake apart from traditional recipes. It’s fragrant and sweet, making it perfect for brunch or dessert.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender! However, you may need to use more since dried lavender is more concentrated. Ensure it’s culinary-grade lavender.

How do I customize my Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake?

You can add fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or replace walnuts with pecans for different flavors. Experimenting with spices like nutmeg can also enhance its taste.

Is Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

You can make this recipe gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that other ingredients are also gluten-free.

How do I serve Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake?

This cake pairs wonderfully with coffee or tea, making it ideal for afternoon snacks or brunch gatherings. You can dust it with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Final Thoughts

Lavender & Honey Coffee Cake is not just delightful but also versatile. Its unique flavors make it an excellent choice for various occasions, from casual gatherings to festive celebrations. Feel free to customize this recipe based on your preference, whether adding nuts, fruits, or experimenting with spices. Don’t hesitate; try this delicious cake today!