Ingredients
For the chocolate lavender cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender (ground finely)
For the blueberry compote:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp water
For the lavender chocolate ganache:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For decoration (optional):
- Fresh blueberries
- Edible lavender flowers
- Chocolate shavings
Instructions
1. Prepare the cake batter
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
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In a separate large bowl, whisk the sugar and vegetable oil until combined.
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Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a small bowl, mix the buttermilk and ground lavender. Let it sit for 5 minutes to infuse.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk mixture.
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Stir in the cooled coffee and mix until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
2. Bake the cakes
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Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Make the blueberry compote
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In a small saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice over medium heat.
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Cook for 5-7 minutes until the blueberries start to break down.
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Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for another 2 minutes until the compote thickens.
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Remove from heat and let it cool completely before using.
4. Prepare the lavender chocolate ganache
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Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the dried lavender. Let it steep for 5 minutes.
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Strain the cream through a fine sieve to remove the lavender pieces.
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Pour the warm lavender-infused cream over the dark chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes.
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Stir until smooth, then mix in the butter for added shine. Let the ganache cool slightly before use.
5. Assemble the cake
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Place the first cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of blueberry compote on top.
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Add the second cake layer and repeat with another layer of blueberry compote.
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Place the final cake layer on top and pour the lavender chocolate ganache over the entire cake, letting it drip down the sides.
6. Decorate and serve
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Garnish with fresh blueberries, edible lavender flowers, and chocolate shavings for a beautiful finish.
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Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cooling Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g