Vegan lavender cake is an excellent option of a dessert for so many reasons. So, why not learn how to make it?
Why choose lavender for your vegan cake?
Lavender is a beautiful plant with an unmistakably sweet and floral scent. It has been making an appearance in cakes and other desserts for a very long time. Its light and delicate taste work well with many dishes, making it an ideal herb to add to any cake or pastry recipe.
Moreover, lavender is known for its calming properties and is often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress and anxiety. Adding lavender to your vegan cake not only enhances its flavor but also provides a soothing and relaxing effect. Additionally, lavender is a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, which makes it a healthier alternative to artificial flavorings and colorings. So, if you want to indulge in a delicious and healthy dessert, choose lavender for your vegan cake.
The history of lavender in baking.
Right from ancient Egyptian times, the lavender plant has been used to season some food staples. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century it began appearing more commonly in a range of dishes. Bakers in France pioneered the use of lavender in baked treats, and their lavender-infused biscuits and cookies gained worldwide popularity.
Today, lavender is still a popular ingredient in baking, particularly in desserts such as cakes, macarons, and ice cream. Its unique floral flavor adds a subtle yet distinct taste to these treats, making them stand out from traditional desserts. Additionally, lavender is known for its calming properties, making it a popular ingredient in teas and other beverages.
What are the health benefits of lavender?
In addition to being an excellent flavor enhancer in baking, lavender is known for its many beneficial properties for the body. For instance, it has antimicrobial properties that can help with skin and throat-related ailments. Furthermore, lavender has a calming effect that reduces anxiety levels, making it a perfect calming ingredient in desserts.
Another health benefit of lavender is its ability to improve sleep quality. The scent of lavender has been shown to promote relaxation and improve the duration and quality of sleep. This makes it a popular ingredient in aromatherapy and sleep aids.
Additionally, lavender has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with pain relief. It has been used to alleviate headaches, menstrual cramps, and muscle soreness. Some studies have even suggested that lavender may have potential as a natural remedy for conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Essential ingredients for vegan lavender cake.
When it comes to making a vegan lavender cake, some core ingredients are necessary. To start, you will need flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and oil or vegan butter. For the lavender flavor, lavender buds and extract are used. Soya milk, soy yogurt, or flaxseed powder are used to substitute eggs.
Additionally, to give the cake a moist and fluffy texture, apple cider vinegar and baking soda are used to create a reaction that helps the cake rise. It is important to use high-quality lavender buds and extract to ensure a strong and authentic lavender flavor. To decorate the cake, you can use vegan frosting made with vegan butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs for an extra touch of elegance.
Step-by-step instructions for making a vegan lavender cake.
Assemble your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. In another bowl, mix the soy milk, soy yogurt, oil, and lavender extract. Add the dry ingredients to the liquid mixture in parts, whisking well after each addition. Add in the lavender buds and mix well. Pour the batter into a greased 8″ cake pan and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes. While the cake is cooling, you can prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together vegan butter, powdered sugar, and lavender extract until smooth and creamy. Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle some additional lavender buds on top of the frosting. Serve and enjoy your delicious vegan lavender cake!
Tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
For the perfect texture in your vegan lavender cake, do not overmix your ingredients. Overmixing the batter will lead to a dense and dry cake. Also, remember to follow the recipe quantities to the letter. Adding or reducing ingredients can alter the texture and flavor of the cake. Lastly, allow the cake to cool before cutting and serving.
Another tip for achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your vegan lavender cake is to use high-quality ingredients. Using fresh, organic ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of the cake. Additionally, make sure to use the correct type of flour. Using the wrong type of flour can result in a cake that is too dense or too dry.
Lastly, consider adding a glaze or frosting to your vegan lavender cake. A simple glaze made with powdered sugar and lavender extract can add a subtle sweetness and enhance the lavender flavor. Alternatively, a vegan cream cheese frosting can add a creamy texture and tangy flavor to the cake. Experiment with different toppings to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
Decorating your lavender cake: ideas and techniques.
Decorating a lavender cake is such an exciting process. You can decorate your cake with simple purple drizzle, lemon frosting, or add sugar flowers to the top. You could also add some blackberries or blueberries to add some extra flavors to the cake. A nice touch to the presentation is to sprinkle some extra lavender buds over the top of the frosting.
Another great way to decorate your lavender cake is to create a lavender buttercream frosting. To do this, simply add a few drops of lavender essential oil to your buttercream frosting recipe. This will give your cake a subtle lavender flavor and a beautiful purple color. You can also add some edible glitter or silver pearls to the top of the frosting to make it look even more special.
Serving suggestions and accompaniments.
Lavender cake can be served as it is or topped with some whipped cream. The subtle floral essence of the lavender provides a nice complement to strong tea or coffee. You could also pair it with sparkling wine or cider to help bring out the flavors even more.
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your lavender cake, try adding some fresh berries on top. The tartness of the berries will balance out the sweetness of the cake and the floral notes of the lavender. Alternatively, you could serve it with a dollop of lemon curd for a tangy twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try making a lavender-infused syrup to drizzle over the cake. Simply simmer some lavender buds in water and sugar until it forms a syrupy consistency. This will add an extra layer of lavender flavor to the cake and make it even more indulgent.
Frequently asked questions about vegan baking with lavender.
Some questions that people might have about vegan baking with lavender include, “Can you use fresh lavender buds instead of dried ones?” and “Can you use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?” The answer to both questions is yes. It is also common to find questions around the suitable replacements for eggs, with options ranging from soy milk, almond milk, yogurt, and applesauce.
Another common question is, “How much lavender should I use in my recipe?” The general rule of thumb is to use about 1-2 tablespoons of dried lavender buds for every cup of flour in your recipe. However, this can vary depending on personal preference and the strength of the lavender flavor. It is always best to start with a smaller amount and adjust accordingly. Additionally, it is important to note that not all lavender is safe for consumption, so be sure to use culinary lavender specifically labeled for cooking and baking.
Variations on the classic lavender cake recipe.
Lemon is an excellent addition to lavender flavor in baked goods. You can add lemon zest or juice to the batter to create a tangy taste. Additionally, you could also add blueberries or blackberries to the batter. Raspberries are also an excellent addition for a fruity pop in the cake flavor.
If you want to add a nutty flavor to your lavender cake, you can mix in some chopped almonds or pistachios to the batter. Another option is to add a layer of almond paste or pistachio paste in between the cake layers. This will give your cake a unique and delicious twist.
How to store and freeze your vegan lavender cake.
To store vegan lavender cake, wrap it in cling film and store in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for around 1-2 days. After this time, it is best to move it to the fridge for longer-term storage. To freeze lavender cake, wrap it tightly in cling film and store it in a freezer-safe container. The cake will last for up to three months.
It is important to note that when thawing frozen lavender cake, it should be left in the fridge overnight to prevent any moisture from forming on the cake. Once thawed, the cake can be enjoyed as normal.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your vegan lavender cake, try adding some fresh berries or a drizzle of lemon icing. This will give the cake a delicious and refreshing twist.
Final thoughts
Now that you know how to make vegan lavender cake, you can enjoy a slice any time you want. Making the cake is incredibly straightforward and will always result in a beautiful and delicious finished product. The beauty of this cake is that it can be tailored to different people’s tastes, so feel free to try something new.
Additionally, lavender is known for its calming properties and can help reduce stress and anxiety. So not only will you be indulging in a delicious treat, but you’ll also be benefiting from the soothing effects of lavender. It’s the perfect dessert to enjoy after a long day or to share with friends during a relaxing afternoon tea.