Description
One Bowl Easy Lavender Blackberry Cake (Vegan & Egg-Free)
This fluffy lavender blackberry cake is the perfect spring treat, made with blackberry jam swirled into the batter and topped with a creamy blackberry cream cheese frosting. Best of all, it’s made in just one bowl, egg-free, dairy-free, and vegan-friendly!
Ingredients
Blackberry Jam:
8 oz fresh blackberries, rinsed
¼ cup maple syrup (or granulated sugar)
Juice from 1 lemon
Lavender Blackberry Cake:
1 ½ cups (300 mL) dairy-free milk
1 tsp dried culinary lavender
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (225 g) salted vegan butter, melted and cooled
1 cup (240 g) dairy-free yogurt, room temperature
2 tbsp vanilla extract
3 ¾ cups (450 g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 baking flour + 1 tbsp arrowroot/cornstarch)
3 tsp baking powder
¾ tsp baking soda
⅓ tsp sea salt
½ cup blackberry jam (from above)
Blackberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
1 batch vegan cream cheese frosting
½ cup blackberry jam (from above)
Optional: 1 cup powdered sugar (if needed)
Fresh blackberries for garnish
Instructions
1. Make the Lavender Milk:
Bring the dairy-free milk to a boil, then remove from heat.
Add the dried lavender and steep for 2-3 minutes.
Strain the milk into a heat-safe jar, discard the lavender, and cool the milk in the fridge.
2. Make the Blackberry Jam:
In a medium pot, combine blackberries, maple syrup (or sugar), and lemon juice over medium heat.
Stir until the mixture comes to a boil, and cook the blackberries until soft.
Mash the berries with a spatula or fork, then continue cooking until the jam thickens and reduces by about ⅓ (around 5 minutes).
Allow the jam to cool. It will thicken as it cools. You can place it in the fridge while preparing the batter.
3. Prep for Baking:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×13-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
Add 1 tbsp of apple cider vinegar to the cooled lavender milk and set aside.
4. Make the Cake Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the melted vegan butter, sugar, dairy-free yogurt, and vanilla extract.
Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Slowly pour in the lavender milk while whisking until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
5. Swirl the Blackberry Jam:
Dollop spoonfuls of the cooled blackberry jam on top of the cake batter.
Use a butter knife to gently swirl the jam into the batter, being careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
Bake the cake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely before frosting.
7. Make the Blackberry Cream Cheese Frosting:
Prepare your vegan cream cheese frosting as per the instructions.
Mix in the blackberry jam and additional powdered sugar (if needed) to achieve the desired consistency.
Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.
8. Frost and Decorate:
Once the cake has fully cooled, frost it with the blackberry cream cheese frosting.
Garnish with fresh blackberries and enjoy!
Storage:
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (note: frosting may soften slightly after freezing).
Enjoy this beautiful lavender-infused blackberry cake!
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps for a foolproof cake. First, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature unless specified. Steep the lavender milk for exactly 2-3 minutes; longer can make it bitter. When making the jam, cook until it coats the back of a spoon. For the batter, whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding the dry. Fold the dry ingredients in gently until just combined to avoid a dense cake. Swirl the jam with just 3-4 figure-eight motions to create a marbled effect without overmixing.
Serving Suggestions
This cake is versatile. Serve slightly chilled for a refreshing dessert. Pair a slice with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sparkling lemonade. For a special occasion, garnish individual slices with a sprig of fresh mint and a light dusting of edible dried lavender alongside the fresh blackberries. It also makes a stunning centerpiece for a spring brunch.
How-to Summary
In summary: 1) Steep lavender in hot milk and cool. 2) Simmer blackberries into a quick jam. 3) Whisk wet ingredients, then fold in dry with the lavender milk. 4) Swirl jam into the batter and bake. 5) Cool completely, then frost with blackberry cream cheese frosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen blackberries for the jam? Yes, frozen blackberries work perfectly. No need to thaw; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to account for the extra liquid.
What can I substitute for culinary lavender? If you don’t have lavender, steep the milk with a vanilla bean pod or a tablespoon of loose Earl Grey tea for a different floral note.
My frosting is too runny. How can I fix it? Ensure your vegan cream cheese and butter are cold. Gradually add more sifted powdered sugar (up to 1 cup) and chill the frosting for 20 minutes before re-whipping.
Can I make this cake gluten-free? Absolutely. Use a reliable 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and add 1 tablespoon of arrowroot or cornstarch to help with structure, as noted in the ingredients.
Why did my cake sink in the middle? This is often due to underbaking or opening the oven door too early. Ensure a toothpick comes out clean and bake for the full time without disturbing it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using hot melted butter, which can cook the yogurt and curdle the mixture. Always let it cool.
- Over-steeping the lavender, leading to a soapy, bitter flavor in the milk.
- Overmixing the batter after adding the flour, which develops gluten and results in a tough, gummy cake.
- Frosting a warm cake. This will melt the frosting and create a soggy layer. Patience is key.
- Not properly lining the cake pan, making it difficult to remove the delicate cake after baking.
Conclusion
This One Bowl Lavender Blackberry Cake proves that elegant, flavorful desserts can be simple and inclusive. The harmonious blend of floral lavender and tangy blackberry, paired with a lush cream cheese frosting, creates an unforgettable treat perfect for any gathering. By following the detailed guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve a stunning, delicious cake that everyone can enjoy. Happy baking!