Honey Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

Dreamy Honey Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe: Sweet Bliss in Every Bite

Sweet memories bloom when honey lavender sheet cake enters your kitchen landscape.

Fragrant lavender whispers delicate notes through each tender crumb.

Soft purple flowers dance alongside golden honey rich warmth.

Baking becomes an artistic journey of sensory delight.

Gentle ingredients weave together in surprising harmony.

Regional lavender fields inspire this elegant dessert’s elegant profile.

You’ll want to savor every magical slice with someone special.

Honey Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe Highlights

  • Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this sheet cake requires minimal technical expertise and basic kitchen tools.
  • Minimal preparation steps and simple ingredients make this recipe a stress-free option for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute dessert needs.
  • Combines the soothing floral notes of lavender with sweet honey, creating a unique taste experience that elevates traditional cake recipes.
  • Ideal for brunch, afternoon tea, potlucks, or casual celebrations, this cake adapts beautifully to different social settings and meal styles.

Ingredients for Honey Lavender Sheet Cake

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: The primary structure and foundation of the sheet cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and contributes to the cake's moist and tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure to the cake.
  • Honey: Introduces a natural sweetness and unique flavor profile.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Help the cake rise and create a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract: Add depth and complexity to the cake's taste.
  • Dried Lavender: Provides a delicate floral note and aromatic essence.
Glaze Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Honey, Milk: Create a smooth, sweet drizzle to finish the cake.

How to Bake Honey Lavender Sheet Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Get your oven ready by heating it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Grab a 9×13-inch pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Dry Foundation

In a mixing bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients until they’re perfectly blended:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Set this magical mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Whip Up a Creamy Base

In a large bowl, grab your electric mixer and beat the softened butter with granulated sugar.

Whip these ingredients until they transform into a light, fluffy cloud that looks absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Magic

Time to add some moisture and flavor:
  • Crack in the eggs one by one, mixing thoroughly after each addition
  • Pour in the golden honey
  • Add buttermilk
  • Sprinkle in crushed lavender
  • Splash of vanilla extract

Blend everything until it’s smooth and inviting.

Step 5: Merge the Mixtures

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.

Stir gently until everything just comes together.

Remember, gentle mixing is the secret to a tender cake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to your prepared pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Your cake is ready when a toothpick comes out clean.

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then move it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Create a Luscious Glaze

Whisk together in a bowl:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Honey
  • Milk (add gradually to reach a smooth, pourable consistency)

Step 8: Final Flourish

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some dried lavender on top.

Your masterpiece is ready to be devoured!

Tips for a Fluffy Honey Lavender Cake

  • Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before creaming to ensure smooth, fluffy texture without melting.
  • Use dried culinary lavender sparingly to avoid bitter or soapy flavor; crush gently to release delicate floral notes.
  • Insert toothpick at cake's center and remove – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Add milk gradually to powdered sugar mixture, stirring until you reach a smooth, drizzleable texture that flows easily over cake.
  • Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Storing and Reheating Honey Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Store covered cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
  • Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
  • Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for quick individual servings.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, warm in oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore softness and bring out honey and lavender flavors.

Serving Pairings for Honey Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Harmonious Honey Lavender Flavor Companions
  • Pair crisp rosé wine with this delicate cake to complement its floral and sweet notes, creating a balanced and elegant dessert experience.
  • Refreshing Lavender Tea Highlight
  • Brew a light lavender tea that echoes the cake's herbal essence, enhancing the botanical undertones and providing a soothing accompaniment.
  • Creamy Vanilla Mascarpone Accent
  • Top the cake with a dollop of vanilla mascarpone cream to add richness and smooth out the lavender's subtle intensity, creating a luxurious texture contrast.
  • Candied Lemon Zest Garnish
  • Sprinkle candied lemon zest over the cake to introduce a bright, citrusy element that cuts through the sweetness and lifts the delicate lavender flavor.

Flavor Twists for Honey Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Gluten-Free Lavender Honey Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the cake's delicate floral notes.
  • Vegan Honey Alternative Cake: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based adaptation.
  • Low-Sugar Lavender Cake: Substitute granulated sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall sugar content while keeping the cake's aromatic essence intact.
  • Dairy-Free Lavender Delight: Use dairy-free buttermilk made from almond or oat milk, and replace butter with coconut oil to create a lactose-free version of the original recipe.

FAQs

  • Is lavender safe to eat in this recipe?

Yes, culinary lavender is safe and edible. Use food-grade dried lavender specifically meant for cooking, which ensures it’s free from pesticides and safe for consumption.

  • How do I know if I'm using the right type of lavender?

Look for culinary lavender labeled “food-grade” or “edible” from reputable spice stores or specialty food shops. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is the best variety for cooking.

  • Can I substitute fresh lavender for dried lavender?

Fresh lavender can be used, but dried lavender is more concentrated. If using fresh, use about 1.5 times the amount of dried lavender called for in the recipe to achieve similar flavor intensity.

  • What does lavender taste like in baking?

Lavender has a subtle, floral flavor with slight herbal notes. When used sparingly, it adds a delicate, aromatic touch without being overpowering or soapy.

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Honey Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

Honey Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Sweet lavender dreams come alive in this honey-infused sheet cake, blending delicate floral notes with rich, golden sweetness. Mediterranean sunshine and summer’s gentle embrace fill each perfectly moist slice you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender (crushed)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon dried lavender (for garnish, optional)

Wet Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or almond milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 12 tablespoons milk (or plant-based milk)

Baking Base Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch pan with grease and heating the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Sift together flour, leavening agents, and salt in a medium mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture.
  3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and pale, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, ensuring thorough blending after each addition.
  5. Gently fold in honey, buttermilk, crushed lavender, and vanilla extract, creating a fragrant liquid base.
  6. Carefully integrate dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  7. Transfer batter to the prepared pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean.
  9. Allow cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. Craft a silky glaze by whisking powdered sugar, honey, and milk until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  11. Once cake has cooled completely, drizzle glaze across the surface and optionally sprinkle with additional dried lavender for visual appeal.

Notes

  • Lavender Intensity: Crush dried lavender buds finely to release maximum flavor without overwhelming the cake’s delicate taste.
  • Buttermilk Swap: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a perfect buttermilk alternative for a richer, tangier texture.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to make the cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Honey Selection: Choose local, raw honey for deeper flavor complexity and subtle floral undertones that complement the lavender perfectly.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 40 mg
Jack Sullivan

Jack Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Single-recipe development with a narrative approach, Culinary storytelling and food history, Seasonal and regional ingredient utilization, Home cooking techniques adapted for modern kitchens​

Education

New England Culinary Institute (Montpelier, VT)
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and modern plating techniques.​

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southern Appalachian cuisine and local ingredient sourcing.​


Jack grew up surrounded by smoky skillets and handwritten recipes in the mountains of North Carolina. His roots in Appalachian cooking shaped the way he sees food – as something that connects people, tells a story, and holds meaning.
With hands-on training and a background in sustainable, regional cooking, Jack started Boil And Broil to make meaningful meals more accessible. He’s all about one-dish recipes that are simple to follow but rich with flavor and history.

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