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Lavender Buttercream Frosting Recipe

4.6 from 203 reviews

This Lavender Buttercream Frosting is a delicate and aromatic topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Infused with culinary lavender buds or lavender extract, this creamy and fluffy buttercream offers a subtle floral note combined with the classic sweetness of vanilla, making it a sophisticated choice for special occasions and everyday treats.

Ingredients

Scale

Frosting Ingredients

  • 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 23 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1 teaspoon culinary lavender buds (or 1/2 teaspoon lavender extract)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: purple food coloring (gel or natural, for a soft lavender hue)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Lavender-Infused Cream: If using lavender buds, gently heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Add the lavender buds and allow them to steep for 10–15 minutes to release their floral aroma. Then strain the cream to remove the buds and chill it until ready to use.
  2. Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on medium-high speed using an electric mixer until it becomes creamy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated. This prevents the sugar from flying out of the bowl and ensures a smooth mixture.
  4. Incorporate Flavorings and Cream: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Then add 2 tablespoons of the lavender-infused cream (or plain cream if you are using lavender extract). Add more cream as needed to achieve the desired frosting consistency.
  5. Add Color and Final Beat: If you want a soft lavender hue, add a drop or two of purple food coloring. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for another 2–3 minutes until light, fluffy, and well-aerated.
  6. Use or Store: Spread or pipe the frosting onto cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. If not using immediately, store covered in the refrigerator and re-whip before use if needed.

Notes

  • If using lavender extract instead of buds, skip the steeping step and add the extract directly with the vanilla.
  • Adjust the amount of cream to control the frosting thickness – less cream for stiffer frosting, more for a softer texture.
  • Use gel food coloring to avoid altering the frosting consistency.
  • For best flavor, use culinary-grade lavender buds to avoid bitterness.

Keywords: lavender buttercream, frosting, lavender frosting, buttercream recipe, floral frosting, cake frosting, cupcake icing, homemade buttercream