Lavender Buttercream Floral Frosting (Printable Version)
A floral lavender-infused buttercream that adds an elegant, creamy finish to cakes and cupcakes.
# What You Need:
→ Buttercream Base
01 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
02 - 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
03 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
04 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Lavender Flavor
05 - 2 teaspoons culinary dried lavender buds
06 - 2 teaspoons boiling water
→ Floral Color & Garnish
07 - Purple food coloring, as desired
08 - Edible flowers for decoration (for example, violets or pansies)
# Directions:
01 - Combine dried lavender buds and boiling water in a small bowl. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain and discard the buds. Allow the lavender-infused liquid to cool completely.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter on medium-high speed for about 3 minutes until smooth, creamy, and pale in color.
03 - Gradually add powdered sugar to the creamed butter, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed and scraping down sides as needed until fully incorporated.
04 - Pour in 2 teaspoons of cooled lavender infusion, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. Beat the mixture on medium-high for 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
05 - Add a drop of purple food coloring, if desired, and mix until an even pastel color is achieved.
06 - Spread or pipe the buttercream immediately onto fully cooled cakes or cupcakes. Garnish with edible flowers, if using.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The buttery, floral flavor feels like a little secret topping that guests can never quite guess.
- It dresses up even the simplest cupcakes and never fails to invite conversation at the table.
02 -
- Once, I rushed the lavender steep and ended up with overpowering flavor—give it the full ten minutes and taste before adding.
- Re-whipping the frosting after chilling makes all the difference for spreadability—don’t skip this, cold frosting is stubborn.
03 -
- Beating the butter until pale and fluffy creates a truly luscious mouthfeel—don’t rush it.
- Taste the lavender infusion before adding the full amount; everyone’s buds are different in strength.