🍰🎙️ Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Dream Cake 🍫💜
Introduction
This enchanting Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Dream Cake is the perfect combination of rich chocolate, sweet blueberries, and subtle floral lavender. Topped with creamy frosting and garnished beautifully, this dessert will be the centerpiece of any gathering. It’s as delightful to eat as it is to look at—a true magical treat!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 🍚 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🧶 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- 🧐 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 🧐 ¼ teaspoon salt
- 🥛 ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 🍬 1 cup granulated sugar
- 🥚 2 large eggs
- 🍯 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 🥛 ½ cup sour cream
- 🧏♀️ ½ cup whole milk
- 🍫 ½ cup cocoa powder
- 🍇 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 🍌 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
For the Filling & Frosting:
- 🍇 ½ cup blueberry jam
- 🍰 2 cups cream cheese frosting
- 🍇 Fresh blueberries (for garnish)
- 🌿 Lavender sprigs (for garnish)
- 🍫 Chocolate ganache (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder until well combined.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream and milk.
- Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing.
5. Add Blueberries and Lavender:
- Gently fold the fresh blueberries and dried lavender into the batter.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake the Cakes:
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Frost the Cake:
- Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting on one cooled cake layer.
- Add a thin layer of blueberry jam on top of the frosting.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
8. Garnish:
- Decorate the cake with fresh blueberries, lavender sprigs, and a drizzle of chocolate ganache (optional).
- Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing for clean cuts.
Pro Tips for Success
- Lavender Flavor: Use culinary-grade lavender and avoid overusing it, as lavender can become overpowering.
- Frosting Tip: For a smoother frosting, make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature.
- Chocolate Ganache: To make a quick ganache, heat ½ cup heavy cream until warm, then pour it over 1 cup of chopped dark chocolate. Stir until smooth.
- Prevent Sinking Berries: Toss the blueberries in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps them stay evenly distributed.
- Chill Before Serving: Chilling the cake for at least 30 minutes makes frosting firm and slicing easier.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? A: Yes! If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them beforehand to prevent excess moisture in the batter.
Q: Can I omit the lavender? A: Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional chocolate-blueberry cake, simply skip the lavender.
Q: How do I store this cake? A: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time? A: Yes! Bake the cake layers a day in advance, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Frost the cake the next day for best results.
Q: How do I prevent the cake from becoming dry? A: Ensure you don’t overbake the cake. Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes and remove it once the toothpick comes out clean.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
- Mistake: Overmixing the batter.
- Solution: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and fluffy.
- Mistake: Frosting is too runny.
- Solution: Chill the cream cheese frosting for 15-20 minutes to help it firm up before spreading.
- Mistake: Blueberries sinking to the bottom.
- Solution: Toss the blueberries in flour before folding them into the batter.
- Mistake: Cake layers sticking to the pan.
- Solution: Always line the pans with parchment paper and grease them properly.
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