Lemon, blueberry and a hint of lavender come together in this moist and fluffy vegan lavender cake. This is the perfect cake for any special occasion! No one would ever guess it’s made with no eggs or dairy.

purple frosted cake with blueberries on a white plate, triple layer

I’m not always a big fan of lavender flavored sweets, but I’m absolutely in love with this cake. It has just a hint of lavender, and when paired with the bright lemon flavor plus fresh blueberries, I find it simply delightful. And I think you will, too.

To add lavender flavor to the cake, we are steeping dried culinary lavender in warm non-dairy milk, then straining the mixture. If you want even more lavender flavor, add a teaspoon of lavender extract to the cake.

The cake is based on my popular Vegan Lemon Cake, and if you haven’t tried it, I highly recommend you do! The lemon cake and this lavender cake feature a moist, flavorful cake that is perfectly sweet with a tight crumb.

tall lavender cake on white plate with a slice being removed

Lavender milk

To make the lavender milk which we will add to the cake batter, simple heat 1 1/4 cups unsweetened soy milk (or other non-dairy milk) in a saucepan until just simmering. Turn off the heat and add the lavender. Let it steep for about 25 minutes, then strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer and discard the lavender. Cool completely before adding to the cake.

Did you know you can also make lavender milk as a warm calming beverage? Add a tablespoon of agave, sugar or maple syrup and a tiny bit of vanilla extract and enjoy warm.

lavender being boiled in milk

In addition to the buttercream frosting, I’ve added a thin layer of blueberry jam in between the cake layers. It adds a pretty color and pop of flavor, so I do recommend it if possible. Or fill the layers with my Vegan Lemon Curd instead.

Instead of the included recipe for frosting, try making my Vegan Swiss Meringue Buttercream instead. You can add a few drops of purple food coloring for a light purple hue, if desired.

one layer of cake being frosted with frosting and jam

More delightful vegan cakes

fork cutting into piece of cake
piece of cake on a plate with blueberries and purple frosting
5 stars (19 ratings)

Vegan Lemon Blueberry Lavender Cake

Lemon, blueberry and a hint of lavender come together in this moist and fluffy vegan lavender cake. This is the perfect cake for any special occasion! No one would ever guess it's made with no eggs or dairy.
Prep: 45 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Total: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 slices

Ingredients 
 

Lavender milk

The cake

  • 1/2 cup aquafaba (liquid from a can of chickpeas)
  • 8 tablespoons (1/2 cup) vegan butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup neutral flavored oil (grapeseed/vegetable/canola)
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon pure lemon extract
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus more for decorating

Frosting

  • 1 1/2 cups vegan butter, barely softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, plus more as needed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened soy milk
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • optional: few drops purple food coloring
  • optional: 1/2 cup blueberry jam

Instructions 

  • Lavender milk: Heat the soy milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until just simmering, then remove from heat and add in the lavender. Let it steep for 25 minutes, then strain the milk through a fine strainer and discard the lavender.  Cool completely before adding to cake batter.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease three 6 inch cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment rounds (I cut them out myself to fit the bottom of the pans to prevent sticking.) Or make a double layer cake by using two 8 or 9 inch round cake pans.
  • Aquafaba: In a medium sized bowl, drain the chickpeas to collect the liquid from the can. Measure 1/2 cup of aquafaba. With a hand mixer, mix on medium-high speed for 1 minute, until light and foamy. Don't mix it so much it forms soft peaks. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add the softened butter, oil, sugar and lemon zest. Beat on medium speed with a handheld mixer (or stand mixer with whisk attachment) until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Now add in the lemon and vanilla extracts and beat to combine.
  • On low speed, add in the lavender milk and aquafaba and mix. Now add the flour, sprinkle the baking powder and salt on top of the flour and mix on low until well combined, about 1-2 minutes, scraping the sides as needed with a spatula. Do not over mix. Fold in the blueberries.
  • Divide the batter equally in the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool on wire racks for 5-10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen, and carefully invert the cakes onto your hand. Remove the parchment paper and place on a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Make the frosting: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the vegan butter until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Reduce the speed, add in the 2 cups of the powdered sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract. Beat on low, then switch to medium speed and beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Now add in the remaining 2 cups powdered sugar and mix. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon at a time of non-dairy milk. If the frosting seems too thin, add more powdered sugar until a desirable consistency is reached. If desired, add a few drops of purple food coloring.
  • Frost the cake: Place one of the cake layers on your cake stand or plate. Frost the top evenly, and spread a thin layer of jam on top of the frosting, if desired. Place the second cake layer on top. Top the second layer with more frosting and more jam. Repeat for the third layer, then frost the sides. Decorate with fresh blueberries, lemon slices and a little sprinkle of lavender, as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  1. Cupcakes – Divide into liners and bake for 20-24 minutes.
  2. Gluten free – I haven’t tested it, but a gluten free all purpose mix should work quite well.
  3. Variations – Swap blueberries for blackberries and blackberry jam instead or raspberries.
  4. For more lavender flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lavender extract when you add the other extracts. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1of 16 servings | Calories: 474kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 222mg | Potassium: 142mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 871IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Nora Taylor
Did you make this recipe?Mention @nora_cooks_vegan_ or tag #noracooks!

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Comments

  1. I don’t normally leave reviews on recipes, but this cake was amazing. If you need to make something to wow people, this is the right recipe. The flavors worked together so well, and the lavender wasn’t overpowering!

    1. Thank you for your encouraging words and wonderful review! Thank you for taking time to share with me! Happy cooking!

  2. This cake is fantastic. My husband made it for me for my birthday, and now I request it every year for my birthday cake. Thank you for your amazing recipes, Nora!

    1. Hi Brynn. I’m thrilled you are loving the cake! Thank you for your terrific review, and for using my recipes! Happy birthday to you!

    1. Hello. Cake flour is a light, finely milled flour for making cakes. If you don’t have cake flour, you can take 1 cup of regular flour, take out 2 tablespoons and add 2 tablespoons cornstarch (cornflour.) Then you will basically have cake flour! I hope this helps!

  3. I changed a few things due to dietary restrictions, sub the flour for gluten free all purpose and soy for oat milk. And it made my fiancé say ‘you should be our wedding cake maker’ super moist, and very delicious. I would 100% make this again

    1. How awesome! Thanks for your fabulous feedback and review! I think this would make a fabulous wedding cake! Happy baking!

  4. I have a question before I make this cake, I have a soy, almond and cashew allergy could you sub the soy milk with coconut or oat milk

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