Glazed Lavender Tea Cake

Glazed Lavender Tea Cake Recipe - Vegetarian French Dessert

Region / culture: France | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 10 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake is a delightful and fragrant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet and floral flavors makes this cake a unique and delicious treat that is sure to impress your guests.

History

The use of lavender in cooking dates back centuries, with the herb being used in both sweet and savory dishes. Lavender has a distinct floral flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients, making it a versatile addition to many recipes. This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake recipe puts a modern twist on a classic flavor combination, creating a delicious and elegant dessert.

Ingredients

Cake

1 cup granulated sugar
5 tbsp butter or stick margarine, softened
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1-0.75 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
0.25 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt
1 cup plain fat-free yogurt (substituted with 1 cup buttermilk)
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh lavender leaves
cooking spray

Glaze

0.33 cup sifted powdered sugar
1 tsp water
0.25 tsp vanilla extract

How to prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C)

To prepare cake

Beat granulated sugar, butter, and 0.5 tsp vanilla at medium speed of a mixer until well-blended (about 5 minutes).
Add egg and egg white, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups, level with a knife.
Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring well.
Add flour mixture to sugar mixture alternately with yogurt, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Stir in lavender.
Pour the batter into an 8-inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 1 hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.

To prepare glaze

Combine powdered sugar and remaining ingredients.
Spread over hot cake.
Cool in pan for 20 minutes on a wire rack, then remove from pan.
Cool completely on wire rack.
Yield: 10 servings (serving size: 1 slice).
Note: To freeze up to 1 month without the glaze, place in an airtight container and wrap in heavy-duty plastic wrap or foil.
Unwrap and thaw at room temperature 2 hours before serving.
Prepare the glaze and spread over cake.

Variations

Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
Substitute dried lavender for fresh if fresh lavender is not available.
Drizzle the glaze with a lavender-infused honey for an extra burst of flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to finely chop the fresh lavender leaves to ensure that the flavor is evenly distributed throughout the cake.

- Make sure to alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the batter to ensure a light and fluffy texture.

- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze to prevent it from melting and running off the cake.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy to ensure a tender cake.

- Use a light hand when mixing the batter to prevent overmixing, which can result in a tough cake.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute regular milk for buttermilk if you don't have any on hand.

- Margarine can be replaced with butter in equal amounts.

Make Ahead Tips

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cake with fresh lavender sprigs or edible flowers for a beautiful and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake pairs well with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of sparkling wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of this Glazed Lavender Tea Cake contains approximately 3 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter, buttermilk, egg) and wheat (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake is a delicious dessert that is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of essential nutrients.

Summary

This Glazed Lavender Tea Cake is a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its delicate floral flavor and sweet glaze, this cake is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Glazed Lavender Tea Cake. It was handed down to me by my dear friend, Mrs. Jenkins, who was a renowned baker in our small town. Mrs. Jenkins had a magical touch when it came to baking, and her recipes were always a hit at any gathering.

I remember the day she invited me over to her cozy kitchen to teach me how to make this exquisite cake. The aroma of lavender filled the air as she gathered the ingredients and began to explain the process.

"First, we'll need some dried culinary lavender," Mrs. Jenkins said, handing me a small jar filled with delicate purple flowers. "This will give the cake a subtle, floral flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the glaze."

As she measured out the ingredients and mixed them together in a large bowl, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the story of how she had learned to make this cake from her own grandmother, who had brought the recipe with her from the old country.

"She used to bake this cake for special occasions, like weddings and birthdays," Mrs. Jenkins said with a nostalgic smile. "It was always a crowd-pleaser, and everyone would ask for the recipe."

I watched in awe as Mrs. Jenkins poured the batter into a greased cake pan and placed it in the oven to bake. The scent of lavender grew stronger as the cake began to rise and turn a golden brown color.

Once the cake was done baking, Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to make the glaze by combining powdered sugar, milk, and a hint of lavender extract. She drizzled the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the cracks and crevices, creating a sweet and fragrant topping.

As we sat down to enjoy a slice of the Glazed Lavender Tea Cake, Mrs. Jenkins shared with me the importance of passing down recipes from generation to generation.

"These recipes are more than just ingredients and measurements," she said. "They carry with them memories and traditions that connect us to our past and our loved ones."

I took her words to heart, knowing that this recipe for Glazed Lavender Tea Cake would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire. I made sure to write it down in my recipe book, alongside the other treasures I had collected over the years.

Years passed, and I continued to bake the Glazed Lavender Tea Cake for special occasions and family gatherings. Each time I made it, I thought of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she had taught me how to make it.

One day, my own granddaughter came to visit me in my kitchen, her eyes wide with curiosity as she watched me prepare the ingredients for the cake.

"What are you making, Grandma?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.

"I'm making a special cake that was taught to me by a dear friend many years ago," I replied, smiling at her. "It's called Glazed Lavender Tea Cake, and it's a family favorite."

As we mixed the ingredients together and poured the batter into the cake pan, I shared with my granddaughter the story of how I had learned to make this cake and the memories it held for me.

"It's important to hold on to these recipes and pass them down to future generations," I said, handing her a small jar of dried culinary lavender. "Someday, you can make this cake for your own family and create new memories of your own."

As the Glazed Lavender Tea Cake baked in the oven, the scent of lavender filled the air, bringing back memories of Mrs. Jenkins and the day she had shared this special recipe with me.

When the cake was done baking, my granddaughter helped me make the glaze, her small hands carefully drizzling it over the warm cake. We sat down together to enjoy a slice of the cake, savoring the sweet and floral flavors that filled our mouths.

As we shared stories and laughter over the slices of Glazed Lavender Tea Cake, I knew that this recipe would continue to be a part of our family's traditions for years to come, connecting us to our past and the loved ones who had shared it with us.

And as I watched my granddaughter take a bite of the cake, her eyes lighting up with delight, I knew that the tradition of making this special recipe would live on for generations to come.