Lavender Honey Almond Dream Cupcakes
Elevate your dessert experience with these Lavender Honey Almond Dream Cupcakes, where the enchanting aroma of lavender marries the rich sweetness of honey and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds. This delightful combination offers a sophisticated balance of flavors, making these cupcakes a perfect treat for special occasions or to simply indulge in a moment of luxury.
13
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain flour
280 g (sifted)
baking powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1 pinch
unsalted butter
113 g (softened)
caster sugar
205 g (Tate & Lyle Fairtrade)
eggs
2 large (at room temperature)
whole milk
4 fluid ounces
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (good quality)
soft butter
50 g
icing sugar
450 g (Tate & Lyle Fairtrade, approximate)
lavender milk
3 fluid ounces (prepared as per instructions)
double cream
1 fluid ounce
honey
1 teaspoon
flaked almonds
(toasted)
lavender buds
(for decoration)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
2
In a medium bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter using an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add the caster sugar and continue beating for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
4
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
5
Alternately add the dry flour mixture in three parts with the whole milk and vanilla extract, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently to avoid over-mixing.
6
Using an ice cream scoop, evenly distribute the batter into the prepared cupcake liners, filling each about 3/4 full.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
8
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9
Prepare the Lavender Honey Icing: Whisk soft butter in a large metal bowl until smooth. Gradually add 300g of icing sugar, followed by lavender milk, honey, and double cream. Mix until smooth, then slowly add the remaining icing sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.
10
Toast flaked almonds on a baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes, or until lightly browned. Allow them to cool.
11
Generously ice the cooled cupcakes with the lavender honey frosting. Garnish each cupcake with a sprinkle of lavender buds and the cooled toasted almonds.
12
To make the Lavender Milk: In a small saucepan, combine 1.5 times the amount of milk required (due to evaporation) with lavender buds, using a ratio of 2 tablespoons of buds to 1 cup of milk. Heat the mixture until it reaches just before boiling, then remove from heat and let it cool completely. Once cooled, strain the lavender buds using a sieve and measure the milk before using it in the recipe.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Lavender Honey Almond Dream Cupcakes?
These are sophisticated cupcakes featuring an enchanting aroma of lavender, the rich sweetness of honey, and the nutty crunch of toasted almonds.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 13 cupcakes.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (356°F).
How long do the cupcakes need to bake?
Bake the cupcakes for 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What is Lavender Milk and how is it used?
Lavender Milk is milk infused with lavender buds, used to add a floral flavor to the icing.
How do I prepare Lavender Milk?
Heat milk with lavender buds until just before boiling, let it cool completely, then strain the buds using a sieve.
What is the ratio of lavender buds to milk?
Use 2 tablespoons of lavender buds for every 1 cup of milk.
Why should I use 1.5 times the milk required when making Lavender Milk?
The extra amount accounts for liquid lost through evaporation during the heating process.
How long should I cream the butter and sugar?
Beat the butter and caster sugar for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is very light and fluffy.
What is the best way to add eggs to the batter?
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until they are fully incorporated.
How should the dry and wet ingredients be combined?
Alternately add the flour mixture in three parts with the whole milk and vanilla, starting and ending with the flour.
How much should I fill the cupcake liners?
Fill each cupcake liner about 3/4 full with batter.
What is the secret to a smooth Lavender Honey Icing?
Whisk soft butter until smooth, then gradually add icing sugar, lavender milk, honey, and double cream, mixing until smooth.
How do I toast the flaked almonds?
Toast the flaked almonds on a baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly browned.
What garnishes are suggested for these cupcakes?
Garnish the cupcakes with a sprinkle of lavender buds and toasted flaked almonds.
What type of flour is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 280g of sifted plain flour.
Does the recipe require specific sugar?
The recipe suggests using Tate & Lyle Fairtrade caster sugar for the batter and icing sugar for the frosting.
How much icing sugar is needed for the frosting?
Approximately 450g of icing sugar is used, added gradually to reach the desired consistency.
What can I use to distribute the batter evenly?
An ice cream scoop is recommended for even distribution into the prepared liners.
How should I cool the cupcakes?
Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
What type of butter is used for the icing?
The icing requires 50g of soft butter.
Is vanilla extract used in the cupcakes?
Yes, 1/2 teaspoon of good quality vanilla extract is added with the milk.
What is the purpose of sifting the dry ingredients?
Sifting the flour, baking powder, and salt together ensures a smooth batter without lumps.
Can I use cold eggs?
The recipe specifies using 2 large eggs at room temperature for better incorporation.
What gives the icing its honey flavor?
One teaspoon of honey is mixed into the icing preparation.
How do I avoid over-mixing the batter?
Mix gently when combining the wet and dry ingredients to maintain the cupcake texture.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of salt is sifted with the flour and baking powder.
What is the role of double cream in the icing?
One fluid ounce of double cream is added to provide a rich and creamy consistency to the frosting.
Should the almonds be cooled before garnishing?
Yes, allow the toasted almonds to cool completely before placing them on the iced cupcakes.
Are these cupcakes suitable for special occasions?
Yes, their gourmet flavor profile makes them a perfect treat for luxury moments or special events.