Name: Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 1 h
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Vegan Desserts
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; ¾ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¾ cup oat milk; ⅓ cup olive oil; ¾ cup organic sugar; ⅓ cup lemon juice (juice of about 2 lemons); 1 ½ teaspoons lavender paste; 1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 lemon); 4 tablespoons vegan lemon curd; 1 cup vegan butter, room temperature; ½ cup shortening; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lavender paste (optional); 2 ½-3 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 6-8 dried lemon slices (optional); Edible dried lavender (optional)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 75 reviews

If there is a cake that effortlessly combines elegance with comfort, it has to be the Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe. This delightful dessert features three layers of soft, fluffy lemon-lavender-infused cake, perfectly paired with tangy vegan lemon curd and a luxuriously creamy buttercream frosting. It’s a show-stopper for any occasion, offering a harmonious balance of floral notes and zesty brightness, all while being completely plant-based and utterly irresistible. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply treating yourself, this cake promises pure joy in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of various baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are six bowls: a large white bowl filled with flour at the top right, a medium white bowl with sugar below it on the left, a small white bowl with salt in the middle right, a clear glass bowl with a yellow liquid near the bottom right, and a small white pitcher with a dark brown liquid at the bottom center. Surrounding these bowls are fresh lemon slices placed around the edges. A clear measuring cup filled with a pale pink liquid is visible in the bottom left corner. The overall look is clean and organized, highlighting the textures and colors of the ingredients clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

To create this masterpiece, you’ll find that the ingredients are surprisingly simple yet absolutely essential. Each one plays a vital role in developing the tangy, floral, and creamy characteristics that make this cake so unique and delicious.

All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender layers with just the right crumb texture.
Baking soda, baking powder, and salt: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises beautifully and the flavors stay balanced.
Oat milk: A creamy, dairy-free liquid that keeps the cake moist.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the crumb soft and supple.
Organic sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the delicate lemon and lavender flavors.
Lemon juice and zest: The star players delivering bright citrus notes that make this cake unforgettable.
Lavender paste: Infuses the cake with a subtle floral aroma that elevates each bite.
Vegan lemon curd: Provides a zesty, creamy filling that contrasts perfectly with the cake layers.
Vegan butter and shortening: The base for a dreamy, fluffy buttercream frosting.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting to the perfect consistency.
Optional garnishes like dried lemon slices and edible lavender: Add a beautiful, natural touch that’s as charming as it is tasty.

How to Make Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Layers

The first step is preparing the luscious lemon-lavender cake layers, which form the heart of this recipe. Start by lining three 6-inch cake pans with parchment paper and greasing the sides to ensure your layers come out perfectly. Preheat your oven to 350F, then sift together the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt—to create an even texture that will help the cake rise uniformly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Next, whisk together oat milk, olive oil, organic sugar, lemon juice, lavender paste, and lemon zest in a large bowl. This mixture brings together the citrus and floral notes, ensuring deep infusion throughout the batter. Carefully incorporate the sifted dry ingredients, mixing just until no flour streaks remain to retain a tender crumb by avoiding overmixing.

Step 3: Bake and Cool the Cakes

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans, tap them gently to release any trapped air bubbles, and bake for about 28 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when tops turn lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in their pans briefly before loosening the edges with a knife and flipping each onto a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for the next exciting phases.

Step 4: Make the Vegan Lemon Curd

While the cakes cool, prepare your vegan lemon curd, the tangy centerpiece of the filling. Once made, pop it into the fridge to chill and set for at least two hours. This waiting time allows the curd to thicken perfectly for spreading between your cake layers.

Step 5: Whip Up the Lemon Lavender Buttercream

The buttercream ties everything together with its silky texture and vibrant flavors. Whip room temperature vegan butter with shortening until fluffy and smooth, then incorporate lemon juice and lavender paste for extra zing and aroma. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, whipping continuously until luscious and light—perfect for frosting and piping.

Step 6: Assemble and Frost the Cake

Begin assembling by placing your first cake layer on a turntable. Smooth a generous layer of frosting over the top, then pipe a neat border around the edge to create a delightful “well” for the vegan lemon curd. Spoon the curd into the center making sure not to spill over the buttercream border. Repeat with the next layer before finishing with frosting on top. Apply a thin crumb coat around the cake’s sides and chill it for at least 30 minutes to set the frosting and make handling easier.

Step 7: Final Touches and Garnish

Once chilled, add your final garnishes such as dried lemon slices or edible lavender to elevate the cake’s beauty and scent, making each slice not only a treat for your taste buds but a feast for the eyes.

How to Serve Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A slice of three-layer light brown cake with white frosting between each layer sits on a white plate with a decorative edge, accompanied by a thin, round dried lemon slice on the left side of the cake. A silver fork held by a woman's hand is cutting into the front of the cake slice. The background is a white marbled surface with additional white plates holding similar cake slices, all garnished with dried lemon slices, slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beautiful garnishes like dried lemon slices and edible dried lavender flowers enhance the rustic charm of this Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe while adding subtle bursts of flavor and visual appeal. They are simple to apply but elevate the presentation from lovely to absolutely stunning.

Side Dishes

To complement the vibrant flavors of this cake, serve it alongside lightly brewed herbal teas such as chamomile or green tea, which balance the sweet and tart components without overpowering them. Fresh berries also make a great pairing by adding a touch of natural sweetness and extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly memorable experience, slice the cake into generous wedges and place each piece on delicate dessert plates garnished with a sprig of fresh mint or lavender. For a gathering, arrange smaller slices on tiered serving trays, encouraging guests to sample and savor the complex layers of lemon and lavender in each bite, making your Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe the star of any celebration.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake slices should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container and kept in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the moistness and freshness while preventing the buttercream from absorbing other fridge odors. The cake will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cake longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each uncut cake layer in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake layers overnight in the refrigerator before frosting and assembling for best results.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled and frosted cake, reheating is not recommended as it can compromise the texture and frosting consistency. Instead, serve the cake chilled or at room temperature to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors and the perfect creamy mouthfeel.

FAQs

Can I substitute oat milk with another plant milk?

Absolutely! Almond milk, soy milk, or any other plant-based milk can work well. Just be sure to use an unsweetened variety to keep the cake’s flavor balanced and not too sweet.

Is lavender paste necessary or can I use dried lavender buds?

Lavender paste offers a consistent, smooth flavor and is easier to mix into batter or frosting. However, if you prefer dried lavender buds, grind them finely to avoid gritty texture and use sparingly to prevent overpowering the cake.

How can I make sure the cake layers are evenly cooked?

Using three separate 6-inch pans and dividing the batter equally helps the layers bake evenly. Also, rotating the pans halfway through baking ensures consistent heat exposure for perfectly baked cakes.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder, you can keep the cake moist and structurally sound. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on your cake.

What’s the best way to prevent the frosting from melting?

Keep the frosting and the cake chilled until ready to serve, and avoid exposing the cake to warm environments. Using shortening along with vegan butter in the frosting helps maintain stability at room temperature, making it less likely to melt quickly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a cake that feels both special and comforting, the Vegan Lemon Lavender Cake with Lemon Curdd and Buttercream Frosting Recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite. It’s a charming balance of bright citrus, fragrant lavender, and creamy vegan indulgence that you can feel good about sharing. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to celebration cake!