Vanilla Lavender Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache Recipe
A delicate and fragrant Vanilla Lavender Cake topped with a rich Dark Chocolate Ganache, perfect for special occasions or an elegant dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender
- 1 cup whole milk
Ganache Ingredients
- 8 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and dried lavender to incorporate evenly.
- Combine Batter: Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Bake Cake Layers: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Chocolate Ganache: Place chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let sit for 2-3 minutes. Stir gently until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly to thicken.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Pour and spread a layer of ganache on top. Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with the remaining ganache, smoothing with a spatula.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to set the ganache before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- For best flavor, use dried culinary-grade lavender to avoid bitterness.
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free ganache alternative.
- Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: vanilla lavender cake, dark chocolate ganache, floral cake, elegant dessert, homemade cake
