Are you ready to bake something truly spectacular? Something that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning? Then get ready to be enchanted by this Black Lavender Bundt Cake recipe. This decadent dessert boasts a deep, mysterious black color from activated charcoal, beautifully contrasted by the delicate floral notes of lavender. It's the perfect showstopper for any occasion, from casual gatherings to elegant dinner parties. This recipe is surprisingly easy, making it a perfect choice for both experienced bakers and those just starting their culinary adventures.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon black food coloring (gel or liquid)
- 2 tablespoons dried culinary lavender buds
For the Lavender Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds (finely ground)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan generously. This step is crucial for easy removal of the cake later.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all ingredients are well combined to avoid lumps.
Wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Color and Lavender: Stir in the black food coloring until you achieve a deep black color. Gently fold in the dried lavender buds.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to set and prevents it from breaking.
Make the Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and ground lavender buds until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Glaze the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the lavender glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using room temperature ingredients ensures even mixing and baking.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, leading to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out clean, it's ready.
- Cool completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Variations:
- Lemon Lavender: Replace the black food coloring with lemon extract and zest for a bright and citrusy twist.
- Raspberry Lavender: Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Different Glaze: Experiment with different glazes, such as a cream cheese frosting or a simple powdered sugar glaze.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. A general estimate would place the calories per slice in the 350-400 range, with varying amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and protein. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutritional calculator with the specific brands of your ingredients.
This Black Lavender Bundt Cake is a delicious and beautiful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the magical combination of dark chocolate, fragrant lavender, and a subtly sweet glaze. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a recipe you'll want to keep coming back to!