Lavender Honey Cupcakes

Name: Lavender Honey Cupcakes
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; 2 tablespoons culinary-grade lavender; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup honey; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon dried lavender (optional for garnish)

Highlighted under: Deluxe Baking Inspirations

I adore making these Lavender Honey Cupcakes because they offer a unique blend of floral notes and sweetness that transports me to a blooming garden with every bite. The combination of lavender and honey creates a delightful pairing that elevates the classic cupcake into something special. With a light, airy texture and a subtle fragrance, they not only look beautiful but also taste incredible. Perfect for afternoon tea or a special celebration, these cupcakes are a delightful treat that always impresses my family and friends.

Created by

Andrea

Last updated on 2026-02-07T22:26:46.109Z

Creating Lavender Honey Cupcakes has been a joyful experience for me, and I find the infusion of these two ingredients really enhances the flavor of the cake. I meticulously steep fresh lavender in the milk to extract its lovely aroma, which makes a noticeable difference. The beauty of these cupcakes is not only in their taste but also in how they look; they’re adorned with a light lavender vanilla frosting that’s simply irresistible.

When I first tried this combination, I was amazed at how well the floral notes complemented the subtle sweetness of honey. To get the right balance, I recommend using culinary-grade lavender, which ensures the taste is uplifting without being overwhelming. It’s truly a comforting dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any table.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
A heavenly blend of floral lavender and rich honey
Light and airy texture that keeps them fresh
Perfectly frosted for a stunning presentation

Understanding Lavender in Baking

Using culinary-grade lavender is essential for these cupcakes as it ensures a pure floral flavor that complements the sweetness of the honey. Avoid using decorative lavender, as it may be treated with chemicals or may not be safe for consumption. The amount you use can also be adjusted; for a more pronounced lavender flavor, you can slightly increase the quantity, but be cautious, as too much can overpower your cupcakes.

When infusing the milk with lavender, gentle heating is key. Simmering the lavender in milk at low heat for about 10 minutes extracts its essence without allowing it to become bitter. After straining, a hint of lavender fragrance should linger in the milk; if it's too strong or bitter, consider reducing the steeping time next time.

Perfecting Your Cupcake Technique

Creaming the butter and sugar is a crucial step in creating light and airy cupcakes. Aim for a creamy texture that turns pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-5 minutes of mixing. If you skip this step or rush it, you might end up with denser cupcakes that don't rise properly in the oven.

When filling the cupcake liners, be mindful not to overfill them. Ideally, you want to fill each liner about two-thirds full to allow for rising without overflow. Checking for doneness with a toothpick is vital; if it comes out with wet batter, give them a few more minutes, checking every couple of minutes to avoid overbaking.

Frosting and Presentation Ideas

The lavender vanilla frosting can be adjusted to your taste; if you prefer a less sweet option, reduce the powdered sugar slightly, but remember that this may affect the opacity and stability of your frosting. For a touch of elegance, consider whipping the frosting until it’s light and fluffy, which adds an appealing texture that contrasts wonderfully with the moist cupcake.

Decorating with dried lavender not only adds beauty but also enhances the flavor profile. If you wish to create variations, try infusing the frosting with a hint of lemon zest or replacing part of the vanilla extract with almond extract for a different aromatic experience. These small tweaks can elevate your cupcakes for special occasions.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful cupcakes:

Cupcake Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons culinary-grade lavender
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup honey

Frosting Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon dried lavender (optional for garnish)

Make sure to gather these ingredients before you start!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lavender Honey Cupcakes:

Prepare the Lavender Milk

In a small saucepan, heat the milk over low heat and add the culinary-grade lavender. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool. Strain the milk to remove the lavender buds.

Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the lavender-infused milk and honey.

Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake tin with liners and pour the batter into each liner, filling them about two-thirds full. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

While the cupcakes are cooling, beat the softened butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, then add the milk and vanilla until the desired consistency is reached.

Decorate and Serve

Once the cupcakes have cooled completely, frost them with the prepared lavender vanilla frosting. Optionally, sprinkle dried lavender on top for decoration.

Enjoy your delicious Lavender Honey Cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For best results, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the butter and eggs. This will help create a smoother batter and fluffier cupcakes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Lavender Honey Cupcakes can be made in advance, making them perfect for parties or gatherings. After baking, allow them to cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you're preparing for an event, you can also freeze un frosted cupcakes for up to a month. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature before frosting.

If you want to prepare the frosting ahead of time, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using, as it may become thick when chilled. For even easier serving, consider frosting the cupcakes right before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your cupcakes don't rise as expected, it may be due to expired baking powder. Always check the expiration date and perform a quick test by adding a teaspoon of baking powder to vinegar to see if it fizzes. Additionally, ensure you’re not overmixing after adding the flour mixture, as this can develop gluten and lead to dense cupcakes.

In case your cupcakes stick to the liners, try using a non-stick spray before pouring in the batter. Alternatively, greasing the liners lightly can also help. For the best results, use paper liners designed for baking, which tend to release more easily than standard ones.

Variation Ideas for Your Cupcakes

Fun variations for these cupcakes can include adding lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the lavender wonderfully. You can also try using different types of honey—like clover or wildflower—to experiment with flavor profiles. Each type brings its unique characteristics that can subtly change the cupcake’s taste.

For an attractive visual, consider topping your cupcakes with edible flowers alongside the dried lavender. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also adds layers of flavor. Experimenting with flavored buttercream—like a lemon or berry-infused option—can also transform the cupcakes into a delightful treat for various occasions.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, but make sure to use culinary-grade fresh lavender for the best flavor.

→ How should I store the cupcakes?

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the cupcakes gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

→ Is the honey necessary for the recipe?

Honey adds sweetness and flavor, but you can replace it with agave syrup or omit it entirely.