ADVERTISEMENT
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chocolate Cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the sugars, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add the milk and oil to the sugar mixture, mixing until well combined. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Add the sour cream and mix until smooth. Finally, add the boiling water and stir until the batter is well combined—it will be thin, but that’s perfectly normal.
- If using, fold in the chopped dark chocolate for an extra depth of flavor.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans and 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 before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Blueberry Filling
- In a saucepan, combine the blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the berries release their juices and the mixture starts to simmer.
- Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture and cook until the filling thickens and becomes jam-like, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the blueberry filling cool to room temperature before using it to layer the cake.
Step 3: Make the Lavender Frosting
- In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat until it’s warm. Add the culinary lavender buds and steep for 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and strain out the lavender, discarding the buds. Let the milk cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, a little at a time, mixing until fully combined. Add the steeped lavender milk, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
- Taste the frosting and add a pinch of salt if needed to balance the sweetness. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Once the cakes have cooled, slice each cake in half horizontally to create four layers.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving platter or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of blueberry filling over the cake, making sure to spread it evenly to the edges.
- Add a second layer of cake and repeat with the blueberry filling.
- Continue layering the cakes, filling each layer with the blueberry mixture until all the layers are stacked.
- Frost the entire cake with the lavender frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula. Be sure to cover the top and sides of the cake evenly.
- For extra flair, decorate the top of the cake with a few fresh blueberries, sprigs of lavender, or even some edible flowers for a beautiful finish.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for about an hour to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld together.
- Slice and serve! This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of sparkling water.
Tips for the Best Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Dream Cake
- Lavender Infusion: Make sure to use culinary lavender buds specifically meant for cooking. Regular lavender from the garden might not be food-safe and could be too strong in flavor.
- Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are out of season, feel free to use frozen blueberries for the filling. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before cooking.
- Chill the Cake: This cake tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. If you can, make it ahead and store it in the fridge overnight.
- Customizing the Filling: If you love other berries, you can swap blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile.
- Decorative Touch: If you want to elevate the cake further, consider dusting it with a little edible glitter or decorating it with a drizzle of white chocolate.
Why This Cake is a Must-Try
The Blueberry Chocolate Lavender Dream Cake is a dessert that beautifully balances indulgence with elegance. With its layers of moist chocolate cake, refreshing blueberry filling, and fragrant lavender frosting, this cake brings together some of the best flavors nature has to offer.
Whether you’re hosting a special event or simply want to treat yourself to a dessert that’s a little more unique, this cake will leave everyone in awe. It’s a luxurious and delicious fusion of flavors that’s sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Try it once, and you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last slice is gone!
ADVERTISEMENT