Description
A delicate lilac and vanilla cake with soft, fragrant layers and a lightly floral finish. This elegant dessert is perfect for spring gatherings, tea parties, or celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp lilac syrup or lilac-infused milk
- 1/4 cup fresh lilac petals, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened, for frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract, for frosting
- 1 tbsp lilac syrup, for frosting
- Extra lilac petals, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk and lilac syrup, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Fold in the lilac petals gently.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 28 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- To make the frosting, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the milk or cream, vanilla extract, and lilac syrup until smooth and spreadable.
- Level the cooled cake layers if needed. Spread frosting over one layer, top with the second layer, and frost the top and sides.
- Decorate with extra lilac petals before serving.
Notes
- Use only unsprayed, culinary-safe lilac blossoms and remove any green parts before using.
- Lilac syrup can be replaced with a little extra vanilla and milk if needed, though the floral flavor will be milder.
- Store the cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and bring to room temperature before serving.
- For a stronger floral note, brush the cake layers lightly with lilac syrup before frosting.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 42 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 71 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
