Lavender Honey Coffee Cake: A Floral Twist on a Classic Comfort Bake
The gentle aroma of lavender paired with the natural sweetness of honey creates a baking experience that feels both elegant and comforting. Lavender Honey Coffee Cake brings together floral notes, warm spices, and a tender crumb that makes every bite memorable. Often associated with calm and relaxation, culinary lavender transforms a familiar coffee cake into something refined yet approachable, perfect for slow mornings or special gatherings.
Baking with lavender may sound adventurous, but when balanced correctly, it enhances flavors rather than overpowering them. Honey replaces refined sugar with a more complex sweetness, adding moisture and depth to the cake. Whether served alongside a cup of tea, fresh coffee, or as a brunch centerpiece, this cake delivers a bakery-quality result while remaining simple enough for home bakers. The recipe below walks through every step, ensuring consistent success even if floral baking is new territory.
Ingredients Needed
The following ingredients are carefully selected to balance sweetness, texture, and subtle floral flavor. Calorie counts are approximate and based on standard measurements.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Approx. Calories |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups | 910 |
| Culinary dried lavender | 1 tbsp | 10 |
| Baking powder | 2 tsp | 5 |
| Baking soda | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Salt | ½ tsp | 0 |
| Unsalted butter (softened) | ½ cup | 810 |
| Honey | ¾ cup | 770 |
| Eggs | 2 large | 140 |
| Greek yogurt or sour cream | 1 cup | 220 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tsp | 12 |
| Milk | ¼ cup | 30 |
| Brown sugar (for topping) | ⅓ cup | 220 |
| Cinnamon (for topping) | 1 tsp | 6 |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Prepare the Lavender Sugar
Finely grind the dried lavender using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder. This step helps release aroma while preventing a gritty texture. - Preheat and Prep
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch round or square baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the ground lavender until evenly combined. - Cream Butter and Honey
In a large bowl, beat softened butter and honey until light and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a soft, tender crumb. - Add Eggs and Flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. - Incorporate Yogurt and Milk
Gently mix in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream) and milk, ensuring the batter remains creamy and uniform. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir just until combined to avoid overmixing. - Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon. For extra texture, a tablespoon of softened butter can be added. - Assemble and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle the topping evenly over the surface. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool and Rest
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps flavors fully develop.
Tips for Customizing the Recipe
- Add Citrus Notes: A teaspoon of lemon or orange zest brightens the lavender flavor beautifully.
- Make It Nutty: Chopped almonds or walnuts add crunch and pair well with honey.
- Glaze It: Drizzle a light honey-lemon glaze over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Adjust Lavender Intensity: Reduce lavender to 2 teaspoons for a milder floral profile.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount (per slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320–350 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Sugar | 25 g |
| Fiber | 1–2 g |
Values may vary depending on portion size and ingredient brands.
Serving Suggestions
Lavender Honey Coffee Cake shines when served slightly warm with a cup of herbal tea, chamomile, or freshly brewed coffee. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream create a lovely contrast to the floral sweetness. For brunch settings, pairing the cake with yogurt, fruit salad, and light savory dishes balances the table beautifully.
Lavender Honey Coffee Cake: A Floral Twist on a Classic Comfort Bake
8–10 slices
servings15
minutes35
minutes320-350
kcalIngredients
For the Cake
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon culinary dried lavender (finely ground)
2 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup honey
2 large eggs
1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup milk
For the Topping
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for crumbly texture)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch baking pan.
- Grind dried lavender finely to release aroma and prevent texture issues.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and honey until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Mix in Greek yogurt and milk until smooth.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon for the topping.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle topping evenly over the surface.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Always use culinary-grade lavender to ensure the cake is safe to eat and has a pleasant floral flavor.
Grind the lavender finely before adding it to the batter to avoid a gritty texture.
Choose a mild-flavored honey such as clover or wildflower so it doesn’t overpower the lavender.
FAQs
1. What does lavender honey coffee cake taste like?
Lavender honey coffee cake has a lightly floral aroma with warm, sweet notes from honey. The lavender flavor is subtle and calming rather than perfumey, blending beautifully with the soft, buttery crumb of the cake.
2. Is it safe to bake with lavender?
Yes, it is safe as long as culinary-grade lavender is used. Lavender grown for crafts or decoration may be treated with chemicals and should not be consumed.
3. Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar in equal amounts. Keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, and baking time may need a small adjustment.
4. How do I prevent the lavender flavor from being too strong?
Grinding the lavender finely and using it in small amounts helps control intensity. Sticking to one tablespoon or less ensures a balanced, pleasant flavor.
5. Can I make this coffee cake ahead of time?
Yes, lavender honey coffee cake can be baked a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Conclusion
Lavender Honey Coffee Cake offers a unique yet comforting baking experience that elevates a classic favorite with subtle floral charm. The combination of honey’s natural sweetness and lavender’s calming aroma results in a cake that feels special without being complicated. Perfect for weekend baking, gatherings, or moments of quiet indulgence, this recipe proves that a small twist can make a timeless dessert truly unforgettable.
