Lavender Ombre Layer Cake with Vanilla Buttercream & Macarons

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The Lavender Ombre Layer Cake is a stunning centerpiece that combines visual charm with delightful flavors. Perfect for spring weddings, birthdays, or elegant tea parties, this cake features soft lavender tones, a vanilla-lavender sponge, and smooth buttercream, making it a romantic choice for any special occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Lavender Ombre Layer Cake is not just a treat for the eyes; it’s also filled with flavors that dance on your palate. The subtle notes of lavender bring a refreshing floral essence to the cake, which perfectly complements the richness of the vanilla buttercream. The ombre effect adds a modern twist to a classic cake, making it visually appealing while still being reasonably easy to prepare. With detailed steps, this recipe ensures that both novice and experienced bakers can create something truly special.

Pro Tips for Making the Lavender Ombre Layer Cake

• Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality culinary lavender and pure vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of this cake. Fresh lavender blossoms make a beautiful decoration.
• Consistent Oven Temperature: Preheat your oven adequately to ensure even baking. An oven thermometer can help monitor the temperature.
• Chill Your Buttercream: If your buttercream starts to get too soft while frosting, pop it in the fridge for a short while to firm it up.
• Ombre Color Gradation: For a perfect ombre effect, start with a small amount of food coloring in each bowl and gradually add more until you reach the desired shade.
• Macaron Tips: If you’re new to making macarons, practice will help. Don’t be discouraged if the first batch doesn’t turn out perfectly.

Ingredients

For this elegant Lavender Ombre Layer Cake, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Lavender Cake (3 layers):

• 2 1/2 cups (310g) cake flour
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp culinary lavender extract or 2 tsp dried culinary lavender, steeped in milk
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
• Purple gel food coloring (varying shades for ombre effect)

For the Vanilla Buttercream:

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• A drop of lavender or purple food coloring (optional)

For Decoration:

• 4-6 lavender or vanilla macarons
• Fresh or dried edible lavender blossoms
• Edible lilac sugar flowers or piped buttercream flowers
• White sugar pearls or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake Layers: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 6-inch or 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and salt. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add Eggs and Flavor: Add the egg whites to the creamed mixture one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract and lavender extract. This infusion will give your cake its signature flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

Step 4: Create Ombre Layers: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Add varying amounts of purple gel food coloring to each bowl to achieve a gradient effect, making one darker and one lightest. Pour the batter into the prepared pans and bake for 22-26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 5: Make the Buttercream: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, around 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vanilla extract, then gradually incorporate the sifted powdered sugar. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. You can tint a portion of the buttercream with a drop of lavender or purple food color if desired.

Step 6: Assemble the Cake: Start with the darkest layer on the bottom and spread a layer of buttercream on top. Add the middle layer and repeat. Place the lightest layer on top, ensuring that the ombre effect is visible. Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of buttercream) around the sides and top, then chill the cake for about 15 minutes to set the initial layer.

Step 7: Frost and Decorate: Using your light to dark purple buttercream, frost the top of the cake, gradually smoothing down the sides. For an ombre effect, smooth out the frosting, blending they shades. Finally, decorate the cake with macarons, lavender blossoms, edible flowers, sugar pearls, and glitter to give it a magical finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different flavor instead of lavender?

Yes! You can substitute the lavender extract with other extracts like lemon, almond, or coconut for a different flavor profile.

2. How do I store the cake?

The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

3. Can I freeze the cake layers?

Yes! The unfrosted cake layers can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frosting.

4. How do I make the macarons?

Macarons can be made from scratch using almond flour, egg whites, and sugar. Alternatively, store-bought macarons can be purchased for convenience.

5. What can I use for a gluten-free version?

You can substitute the cake flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the baking powder and other ingredients as well.

Conclusion

The Lavender Ombre Layer Cake is an enchanting dessert that combines lovely aesthetics with delectable taste. It’s ideal for any springtime celebration, from weddings to birthdays. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a cake that will impress your guests both visually and with its rich flavor. Get ready to enjoy every delightful slice!

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