Ingredients
Unsalted butter, unsalted, 1 cup
Granulated sugar, 1 1/2 cups
Large egg, 3, at room temperature
Fresh lemon zest, 1 large lemon
Fresh lemon juice, 3/4 cup, freshly squeezed
Edible dried lavender, 1 tablespoon, food-safe
All-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups, unbleached
Baking powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons, checked for freshness
Pure vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon (optional for extra depth)
Buttermilk, 1 cup, room temperature
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 12-inch tube pan with parchment paper.
Grate zest from 1 large lemon into a bowl, then add juice to yield 3/4 cup.
In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy (5-7 minutes). Gradually add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each.
Mix in lemon zest and lavender until fully incorporated. Add buttermilk and blend until smooth.
Sift flour and baking powder into the wet mixture. Alternate adding buttermilk with the dry ingredients, beginning and ending with drier ingredients. Fold in lemon juice and vanilla until just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Tap pan lightly to remove air bubbles.
Bake for 32-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few crumbs. Cool in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
Use a microplane grater for fine lemon zest to avoid bitter pith.
Buttermilk helps create a moist texture; substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice if unavailable.
Avoid overmixing after adding flour to prevent a dense crumb.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
For halal/non-alcoholic versions, ensure vanilla extract is alcohol-free and use certified vegan butter.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Cake Recipes & Easy Baking Ideas
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg