Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake

Name: Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen; 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1-2 teaspoons lavender-infused simple syrup (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I absolutely love making Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake, especially when I want to impress my guests. The combination of tender raspberry-flavored cake infused with aromatic lavender creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Each bite is a delightful journey through fruity sweetness and floral notes. I particularly enjoy serving this cake during celebrations or cozy gatherings, as it’s both visually stunning and delicious. The vibrant colors and enticing fragrance will have everyone reaching for another slice, making it a showstopper on any dessert table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-23T22:17:28.654Z

When I first experimented with flavors in baking, I stumbled upon the delightful pairing of raspberry and lavender. After several tries, I crafted this Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake that perfectly balances the sweet and floral notes. The key was to find the right amount of lavender to enhance the cake without overpowering the fruitiness of the raspberries.

One crucial tip I discovered is to use fresh or high-quality dried lavender for the best flavor. It truly elevates the cake and brings a touch of elegance, making it perfect for special occasions or even just to treat myself on a quiet afternoon.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
The unique combination of sweet raspberries and fragrant lavender creates a memorable flavor experience.
A soft, moist cake that pairs well with tea, coffee, or a glass of bubbly.
Visually appealing with a beautiful color contrast that’s perfect for celebrations.

Understanding Ingredients

The use of culinary lavender in the Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake not only adds a delicate floral flavor but also contributes aroma that elevates the entire dessert experience. It’s essential to use food-grade lavender, as other variations can be bitter or unpleasant. I recommend checking for freshness by smelling the dried flowers; a fragrant scent indicates they are ready to use. If unavailable, you can substitute with lavender essential oil, but ensure it’s food-safe and used sparingly, as it's more potent.

Raspberries play a vital role in adding moisture and a pop of sweetness to the cake. When using frozen raspberries, do not thaw them; instead, fold them into the batter straight from the freezer. This helps maintain their shape and prevents the cake from becoming too soggy, which can happen if they are incorporated in their thawed state.

Baking Techniques

When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light and fluffy texture that should be almost pale in color. This process incorporates air, which contributes to the cake's rise and softness. If you find the mixture seems grainy, continue mixing; it should take about 3-4 minutes to reach the desired state. Additionally, make sure your butter is at room temperature, as cold butter can hinder the creaming process and result in a denser cake.

Dividing the batter equally between the two prepared pans ensures even baking. By using a kitchen scale, you can measure each pan’s batter for precision, which helps avoid an undercooked or overly dry cake. Bake until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs—a sign that it’s baked perfectly.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake:

For the Cake

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup raspberries, fresh or frozen
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender

For the Frosting

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 teaspoons lavender-infused simple syrup (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before starting the preparation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create a magnificent Raspberry Lavender Pisces Cake:

Prepare the Oven and Cake Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans, then set aside.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.

Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

Add Eggs and Flavors

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and lavender.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the raspberries.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Prepare Frosting

Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter with powdered sugar, adding milk and vanilla until smooth. Add lavender-infused syrup if desired.

Frost the Cake

Once the cakes are completely cool, spread frosting between the layers and over the top and sides of the cake. Garnish with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lavender.

Enjoy your beautiful cake and share it with loved ones!

Pro Tips

For enhanced flavor, consider soaking the raspberries in a little sugar and lavender syrup for 30 minutes before adding them to the batter.

Frosting Tips

Creating the perfect frosting for this cake is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor experience. Be sure to let the butter soften at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before mixing; this helps achieve a smooth and creamy texture. For a silky finish, beat the frosting for a few extra minutes after adding the powdered sugar and milk. A common issue is overly dry frosting; if this occurs, incorporate an additional teaspoon of milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Adding lavender-infused simple syrup to the frosting is optional, but it can enhance the floral notes and deepen the cake's overall flavor. To make your own, simply simmer equal parts sugar and water with some dried lavender until the sugar dissolves. This syrup can also be brushed onto the cake layers before frosting to amplify the flavor and keep the cake moist.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

This cake can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerate it, but be aware that chilling can alter the texture slightly. For best results, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. Leftover slices can also be frozen. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months; let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Serving this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream can complement its flavors beautifully. You might also consider pairing it with a floral tea or a glass of sparkling wine to enhance the experience. For a unique twist, consider adding a layer of lemon curd between the cake layers for a delightful tart contrast against the sweet raspberries and floral lavender.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh raspberries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh raspberries work beautifully and will provide a burst of flavor!

→ How can I store leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake layers tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

→ What is culinary lavender?

Culinary lavender is specifically grown for cooking and baking; ensure you use it instead of decorative varieties.