I'm pretty sure I mentioned sharing healthier recipes, and while my intentions were pure, I cannot resist a delicious cake. Add in lavender, and a winning warm-weather dessert is born.
Beautiful, fragrant, and ubiquitous, lavender is used in everything from natural home products to bath products, food, and beverages. Lavender activates all the senses, especially when one stands amid it or holds fresh-cut stems. The calming fragrance helps reduce stress in a chaotic world, and the flowers provide color and beauty to the home and garden.
And I love the addition of it in my office.
I use lavender in almost everything I make for the house and personal beauty products, but I didn't always use it in baking.
This coconut cake's infusion of lavender and lemon results in a rich, airy, and delicious dessert where all three flavors work harmoniously.
Did You Know? Lavender flowers have a variety of meanings, including purity, silence, devotion, serenity, grace, and calmness.
Beneath that creamy frosting are three layers of delicious coconut and lavender cake with thin layers of lemon-lavender filling.
Did You Know? An infusion of lavender flower heads added to a cup of boiling water is used to soothe and relax at bedtime. I'm fond of lavender and chamomile tea at the end of a long day.
The combination of filtered, natural sunlight, soothing lavender, and soft colors offers relaxation, conversation, and an invitation to sit, relax, and enjoy a few peaceful moments.
When you slice into the cake and bite into the first layer of moist crumbs, your taste buds journey through each flavorful layer.
Now, before you get to the recipe and get frightened away by how long it is (seriously, don't be scared), know that I consider this a special occasion cake. Whether for a birthday, anniversary, or summer garden party, this is a cake that most people would only make once, maybe twice a year. And, despite the different steps, it's not a difficult cake if you follow the recipe.
Okay, are you almost ready to try the cake? Have you thought of the perfect occasion, even if it's "just because"? It's such a delicious treat!
Okay, are you ready? Click here for the printable PDF recipe.
