Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe

If you adore delicate floral flavors paired with a rich, smooth frosting, you are going to fall head over heels for this Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe. These cupcakes are a perfect harmony of gentle lavender-infused cake and luscious honey buttercream frosting, creating an experience that feels like a little piece of spring in every bite. Light, fragrant, and sweet with just the right balance, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress loved ones or treat themselves to a truly special baked delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that each play a vital role in crafting the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma. From the floral-infused milk that brings the cake to life, to the honey that adds natural sweetness with a depth that’s hard to beat, every ingredient sings.

• Whole milk (1/2 cup): Heated and infused with lavender to impart that signature floral undertone in the cupcakes.
• Dried lavender (1 tablespoon): Essential for steeping in milk to create a fragrant base for the cake batter.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and tenderness to the cupcakes.
• Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the batter and allows for a tender crumb.
• Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cupcakes rise beautifully to a soft, airy texture.
• Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.
• Vegetable oil (1/2 cup): Keeps the cupcakes moist and tender throughout.
• Large eggs (2): Add moisture and help bind the batter together.
• Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Complements the lavender and brings warmth to the flavor profile.
• Lavender extract (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Boosts the floral flavor if you want a more pronounced lavender taste.
• Butter, softened (1 stick or 1/2 cup): The base of the honey buttercream frosting, adding richness and creaminess.
• Honey (1/4 cup): Adds natural sweetness with floral notes that pair perfectly with lavender.
• Powdered sugar (2 1/4 cups): Creates the smooth texture of the frosting while controlling sweetness.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Enhances the honey buttercream with subtle warmth and depth.
• Kosher salt (pinch, optional): Used in the frosting to tame sweetness and elevate flavor complexity.
• Lilac or purple gel paste food coloring (optional): For an elegant and subtle tint that matches the cupcake’s floral theme.

How to Make Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Lavender

Start this bold and fragrant baking journey by gently heating your whole milk until it’s just steaming—about 30 seconds in the microwave works perfectly. Add the dried lavender, stir it in, and let it steep for a delicate 15 minutes. This infusion is the secret behind the subtle floral notes that make these cupcakes unforgettable. After steeping, strain out the lavender to keep the batter smooth and velvety.

Step 2: Prepare the Cupcake Batter

Whisk together your dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt – in a large bowl. Then add your beautifully infused milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and if you dare, a splash of lavender extract to intensify that lavender essence. The trick here is to mix gently and just enough to combine everything, or you’ll end up with cupcakes that are more dense than dreamy.

Step 3: Fill and Bake Your Cupcakes

Using a 1/4 cup measure, evenly distribute the batter into your cupcake tin, filling each well about two-thirds full. This helps your cupcakes rise just right without spilling over. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting.

Step 4: Make the Honey Buttercream Frosting

For a frosting that’s as gorgeous as the cupcakes themselves, start by beating your softened butter at medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. Then drizzle in the honey and blend on low until fully mixed. Gradually incorporate the powdered sugar, adjusting the amount to your preferred consistency, and add the pure vanilla extract. Whip the frosting at high speed until it’s airy and smooth. Taste and add a pinch of salt if the sweetness needs balancing, and if you want a gorgeous bridal purple tint, add a couple of drops of gel paste color.

Step 5: Frost Your Cupcakes

Fill a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip with the honey buttercream and swirl it generously over each cupcake with tall, elegant spirals. Leaving a slight border around the edges creates a charming, delicate look, letting the cupcake’s tender crumb peek through.

How to Serve Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the beauty and flavor of these cupcakes, consider garnishing with edible lavender buds or a light dusting of finely grated lemon zest. Both add a refined floral or citrus note that complements the cupcake’s fragrant honey buttercream so well. If you’re feeling playful, a tiny drizzle of honey over the frosting adds a glossy, sweet finish that invites eager hands.

Side Dishes

Lavender cupcakes pair wonderfully with a cup of chamomile or Earl Grey tea, whose floral or citrusy notes echo the cupcake’s delicate flavors. Fresh berries or a light lemon curd on the side can also balance the sweetness and introduce refreshing tartness that your guests will adore. These pairings make tea time or dessert feel truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these cupcakes to a gathering or special event, display them on a tiered cake stand adorned with sprigs of fresh lavender or small flowers for wow-worthy presentation. Wrapping each cupcake in pastel-colored baking cups or tying a thin purple ribbon around the cupcake liners can make them extra charming and gift-worthy. Presentation is just as sweet as the treat itself!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, store your Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the buttercream fresh and stable. They will stay tender and moist for up to three days, making them perfect for prepping ahead of a party or craving day.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to three months. Wrap each cupcake tightly with plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then frost with the honey buttercream fresh to keep the taste and texture just right.

Reheating

To bring your cupcakes back to life after chilling or freezing, allow them to come to room temperature naturally. Avoid microwaving once frosted, as it can melt the delicate buttercream. Instead, a gentle thaw will preserve the cupcake’s integrity and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried for the cupcakes?

Fresh lavender can be more potent and sometimes bitter compared to dried. If you want to use fresh, reduce the amount and do a quick steep in the warm milk to prevent overpowering the delicate flavor balance.

Is there a substitute for honey in the buttercream?

Absolutely! You can swap honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar sweetness and consistency, but keep in mind these will subtly change the frosting’s flavor profile.

How can I make these cupcakes vegan?

For a vegan version, replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and choose a vegan butter substitute to make the honey buttercream. Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.

Can I make the frosting less sweet?

Yes! Gradually add the powdered sugar as you whip the buttercream and stop once you reach a sweetness level you enjoy. A tiny pinch of salt also helps balance the sweetness without losing that luscious honey flavor.

Why do my cupcakes come out dense sometimes?

Overmixing the batter can develop gluten, making cupcakes dense tough rather than light and fluffy. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for tender results, especially with this Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about this Lavender Cupcakes with Honey Buttercream Recipe. It’s a recipe that brings elegance and comfort together in the sweetest way possible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cupcakes are sure to fill your home with warmth and smiles. Give it a try—you deserve a little floral sweetness in your life!

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