Lavender Buttercream Floral Frosting (Printable Version)
Aromatic lavender-infused buttercream with vanilla and cream, ideal for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Buttercream Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Lavender Flavor
05 - 2 teaspoons culinary dried lavender buds
06 - 2 teaspoons boiling water
→ Optional Floral Color & Garnish
07 - Purple food coloring, as desired
08 - Edible flowers for decoration, such as violets or pansies
# Directions:
01 - Place lavender buds in a small bowl. Pour boiling water over them and steep for 10 minutes. Strain to remove the buds and let the infused liquid cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter on medium-high speed until creamy and pale, about 3 minutes, using an electric mixer.
03 - Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour in the cooled lavender infusion, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. Continue to beat on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - If desired, add a small drop of purple food coloring to achieve a soft lavender hue. Mix until evenly colored.
06 - Frost completely cooled cakes or cupcakes with the buttercream. Garnish with edible flowers if desired and serve.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- A little goes a long way: the buttercream’s subtle floral note transforms basic cakes into a showstopper you’ll want to sneak a spoonful of.
- It’s surprisingly easy, even if you’re just learning the ropes, and the color can be customized as gently or vividly as you want.
02 -
- If you add too much lavender, the whole thing can taste like soap—always strain thoroughly and measure with restraint.
- Chilling the frosting before spreading can make it hard and tricky to work with; always bring it back to room temperature and re-whip.
03 -
- Always use culinary lavender, never blooms from a florist or your backyard unless you’re absolutely sure they’re food safe.
- A pinch of salt (even unsalted butter benefits) can round out sweetness and make the flavors bloom even more.