Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake Recipe

Imagine diving into a slice of sheer delight called the Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake. This enchanting dessert is a celebration of delicate flavors and airy textures that gently swirl together to create a bite that’s as light as a cloud and as fragrant as a spring garden. The soft lavender-infused sponge paired with a luscious vanilla cream creates a dreamy combination that captivates your senses, making every forkful feel like a little moment of bliss. If you’re looking for a cake that’s elegant yet irresistibly comforting, this is the one to try.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the unforgettable texture, fragrant notes, and creamy richness that make the Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake so special. From the floral touch of lavender buds to the creamy softness of the frosting, these essentials bring the creation to life.

• 1 ½ cups flour: The foundation for the cake’s tender crumb and structure.
• 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the cake perfectly without overpowering its delicate floral notes.
• ½ cup vegan butter or unsalted butter: Adds moisture and richness to ensure the sponge stays soft and fluffy.
• 3 eggs (or flax eggs for vegan): Binds the ingredients together and aerates the batter for a light rise.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Gives the cake an airy lift that helps achieve its cloud-like texture.
• 1 cup milk (almond or regular): Used to steep the lavender and add moisture to the batter.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Provides warm, comforting undertones that complement the lavender’s fragrance.
• 1 tbsp dried lavender buds (culinary grade): The star ingredient lending a subtle floral aroma and unique flavor to the cake.
• Purple food coloring (optional): For that gentle pastel hue which makes the cake visually dreamy.

For Frosting:

• 1 cup whipping cream: Whipped to tender peaks, it adds luscious creaminess for the frosting.
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream delicately without overshadowing the lavender.
• ½ tsp lavender extract: Enhances the floral notes in the frosting, perfectly tying everything together.

How to Make Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Lavender

Start by gently warming your milk and steeping the dried lavender buds for about 10 minutes. This process extracts that beautiful floral essence, which will subtly flavor the entire cake. Once infused, strain out the buds so the milk stays smooth and ready to mix in.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and light, creating the perfect base to trap air for your airy cake. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract and your lavender-infused milk for that lovely floral warmth, then sift in the flour and baking powder. Gently fold everything together—being careful not to deflate the batter—to keep that cloud-like softness alive.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Divide the batter evenly between two round cake pans lined with parchment. If you love that soft lavender tint, this is the time to add a drop or two of purple food coloring and swirl it in gently. Bake at 175°C (350°F) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top feels springy to the touch and a skewer comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack before moving on.

Step 4: Whip the Lavender Vanilla Frosting

Beat the whipping cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form—light, silky, and just hold their shape. With a delicate touch, fold in the lavender extract to keep the flavor balanced and uniquely floral without being too overpowering.

Step 5: Assemble Your Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate, spread a generous amount of the whipped frosting evenly over the surface. Then top with the second cake layer and cover the entire cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth or swirl to your heart’s content—the final look should feel airy and inviting, just like the rest of this dreamy creation.

How to Serve Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake

Garnishes

To elevate your Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake, consider decorating the top with a sprinkle of fresh or dried lavender buds for an elegant touch. A gentle drizzle of honey over the frosting adds not only a beautiful golden contrast but also a natural sweetness that complements the cake’s floral elements thoughtfully.

Side Dishes

This cloud-like cake pairs wonderfully with light accompaniments. A simple fresh fruit salad, especially with berries or stone fruits, offers a juicy burst that balances the creamy frosting. For an afternoon tea or brunch, serve alongside a fragrant herbal tea or a mild Earl Grey to embrace those complex vanilla and lavender notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by stacking mini lavender sprigs or edible flowers on top. For special occasions, place the cake on a rustic wooden board set against white linen, scatter lavender buds around the base, and let gentle morning light enhance the pastel tones. This dreamy aesthetic makes every slice look almost too beautiful to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After indulging in your Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake, wrap any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the frosting stable and the sponge fresh and moist.

Freezing

If you want to save cake for later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the individual cake layers or the assembled cake very well with plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

For best results, warm slices gently at room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving the frosted cake as this can cause the cream to separate. Instead, if you want the sponge slightly warm, briefly heat an unfrosted slice and add fresh whipped frosting afterward.

FAQs

Can I make the Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake vegan?

Absolutely! Use vegan butter and flax eggs as a substitute for eggs, and plant-based milk like almond milk for the infusion. This keeps the cake light and delicious while adhering to vegan preferences.

Is lavender flavor very strong in this cake?

The lavender flavor in the Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake is delicate and subtle, designed to gently perfum the sponge rather than overpower it. The vanilla and cream balance the floral notes beautifully for a harmonious, fragrant dessert.

Why steep lavender buds in milk instead of adding them directly to batter?

Steeping lavender in warm milk extracts the flavor and aroma gently and evenly, ensuring a smooth, floral infusion without bites of dried buds. It creates a more refined and integrated flavor profile in the cake.

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Dried culinary-grade lavender is preferred since fresh lavender can be more potent and may impart a bitter taste. If using fresh, use sparingly and ensure it’s pesticide-free. Always taste as you go to avoid overpowering the cake.

How do I get the pastel lavender color naturally?

While the gentle purple food coloring is optional, you can enhance the pastel hue by blending in a small amount carefully. Alternatively, the baked cake often has a soft lilac tint from the lavender infusion, especially under soft light.

Final Thoughts

Making the Lavender Vanilla Cloud Cake is like inviting a soft breeze of floral sweetness and creamy delight right into your kitchen and onto your table. Its airy texture, subtle flavors, and beautiful palette make it a dream dessert to share with friends and family. Give it a try and watch how this cloud of flavor becomes a cherished favorite in your recipe collection.