Article: Smooth & Creamy Lavender Frosting Recipe

Smooth & Creamy Lavender Frosting Recipe

Lavender frosting may sound like a job for a cake shop, but it’s a simple treat to make that can wow your guests. It’s the perfect option when you want something smooth, creamy, and light, with just the right hint of floral, not overpowering or sweet for the sake of it.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make lavender buttercream that’s soft, balanced, and easy to spread.

How to Make Lavender Buttercream Frosting

You’ll need only basic ingredients and tools. Follow these steps to create a frosting that you can use on any baked goods.

Step #1: Gather Your Ingredients

- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature ~1,630 kcal
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted ~1,680 kcal
- 2-3 tablespoons Sonoma lavender syrup ~150 kcal
- 1-2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream ~30 kcal
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ~12 kcal

Prep time: 10-15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes

Step #2: Cream the Butter

Add the butter to a large mixing bowl or a food processor. To finish this step more quickly, use your stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Otherwise, you can just stir the bowl. Mix at low speed first, then whip until smooth and pale, for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step #3: Add Powdered Sugar Slowly

Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time with the mixer set to low or while gently stirring. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Once all the sugar is in, beat until fluffy.

Step #4: Add Flavor and Liquid

Pour in your lavender syrup, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix gently. Then add milk one spoonful at a time until the texture is right. You want it soft enough to spread, but firm enough to hold on a spoon.

This is your base. It should smell floral and clean, like a lavender buttercream frosting should.

Step #5: Adjust Color (Optional)

If you want a light purple hue, use a natural color. Try a pinch of beet powder, a bit of blueberry juice, or butterfly pea flower tea with lemon. Avoid artificial food coloring if you’re aiming for a more natural frosting recipe.

Step #6: Mix Until Smooth

Once the color and consistency are set, mix again for 30 seconds to finish. Don’t overmix. Over-whipping can cause air pockets or change the texture.

Step #7: Use or Store

Spread your frosting on lavender cupcakes, a lemon cake, or a soft layer cake. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Let it soften before using again.

Tips for Perfectly Creamy Flower Frosting

A few small choices can make the difference between soft, airy frosting and something that feels off. Use these techniques to get the texture right the first time.

Sift the Sugar First

Powdered sugar clumps even when it looks fine. Use a fine mesh sieve before you add it to the bowl. This keeps your frosting from turning grainy. It also helps mix in color or flavor more evenly, especially if you’re using lavender sugar, lemon zest, or natural food coloring.

Keep Your Ingredients Cool

Room temperature means soft, not warm. If your unsalted butter is too soft or your kitchen is hot, your frosting may separate. That’s even more likely if your lavender extract or vanilla extract has alcohol in it.

Keep everything close to the same temperature before you mix.

Mix Smart, Not Fast

Start slow and gradually work up. A stand mixer on high can trap too much air, which can cause air pockets or a rough texture. Use the paddle attachment or a hand mixer. Stay on low speed until your ingredients come together, then whip gently until smooth.

Choose Milk or Cream Based on Texture

Whole milk gives you a lighter frosting, while heavy cream creates a thicker, richer feel. Cream holds better if you’re spreading it onto cupcakes or a tall layer cake. Milk works well for a soft spread on a lemon cake or a chocolate cake recipe.

Watch for Signs of Overmixing

If your frosting starts to look shiny, it’s likely overwhipped, as that’s when the butter starts to break. If this happens, pause. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes, and then mix again slowly. A little rest can save your lavender buttercream frosting.

Use Lavender Syrup for Balance

Sonoma’s lavender syrup blends smoothly. It gives the right amount of lavender flavor without overwhelming the butter. If you use extract, go slow, just a drop or two. Syrup also mixes well with add-ins like lemon juice or lavender-infused milk without curdling or separating.

Best Desserts to Pair with Lavender Icing

The lavender buttercream recipe has a calm, floral flavor. Here’s where it shines.

Cupcakes A lemon and poppy seed cake	Use it on vanilla, lemon cake, or lavender cupcakes. The frosting adds depth without overpowering. You can pipe tall swirls or smooth it with a spoon. Add a bit of lemon zest or a light lavender sugar dusting to finish.
Tea Cakes and Loaves Simple banana bread	A soft lavender cake or lemon loaf is a perfect base. The frosting's floral notes pair well with a tender crumb. Use a fine mesh sieve to sprinkle dried culinary lavender or sugar on top.
Shortbread and Cookies Almond butter chocolate chip cookies	Use the frosting as a filling. Sandwich it between shortbread cookies or pipe a small swirl on each round. The buttery base gives the lavender flavor room to shine. If you're making them ahead, store them in an airtight container.
Earl Grey Sponge Cake	Earl Grey and lavender are a natural match. The tea adds a subtle bite, and the frosting brings it back to softness. Add a few lavender flowers for garnish. Serve with milk tea or iced lavender milk.
Trifles and Meringues	Layer it in a small bowl with crushed meringue, sponge cake, and fresh fruit like blackberries or citrus. The soft texture of buttercream melts into each bite. It also works as a topper on ice cream for a quick dessert fix.
Chocolate Cake Flourless chocolate cake	It works if you keep it simple. Use a thin layer of lavender frosting between cake rounds or on top of cupcakes. Add a touch of vanilla extract or lemon juice to balance it out.

Browse for a Lavender Syrup Today

You’ve seen what this frosting can do: smooth texture, balanced sweetness, and a clean floral note that stands out without shouting.

That starts with the right syrup.

Sonoma’s Fresh Lavender Infused Syrup is crafted for moments like this. Just open the bottle, pour, and let the flavor do the work. Grab yours today!

Written by Sonoma Syrup Co.

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