Dreamy Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

Lavender and blackberry create a mesmerizing dance of flavors in this enchanting sheet cake that refines ordinary dessert moments into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Soft, fragrant botanicals mingle with deep, luscious fruit notes, promising a sensory journey beyond typical sweet treats.

Delicate purple hues and subtle herbal undertones elevate this cake from simple to spectacular.

Bakers who crave unexpected flavor combinations will adore how these ingredients harmonize beautifully in every tender crumb.

Each slice delivers a sophisticated yet approachable dessert that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Sophisticated yet accessible, this sheet cake welcomes home bakers of all skill levels into a world of gourmet possibilities.

Elegant and approachable, this recipe bridges the gap between complex culinary artistry and comforting homemade goodness.

Why This Sheet Cake Deserves a Spotlight

• Burst of Seasonal Flavor: Combines sweet blackberries and delicate lavender for a sophisticated, unexpected taste profile that elevates traditional sheet cake.
• Effortless Elegance: Simple swirling technique creates a stunning visual presentation without requiring advanced baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers of all levels.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Ready in just one hour, this cake serves 12 people easily, making it ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend dessert cravings.
• Customizable Comfort: Offers flexible jam-making process and versatile frosting technique, allowing bakers to adjust sweetness and intensity according to personal preference.

What to Serve With a Floral-Fruit Dessert

• Elevate with Lavender Tea: Pair this delightful cake with a warm cup of lavender Earl Grey tea, which will beautifully complement the cake's subtle lavender notes and enhance the berry sweetness.
• Match with Creamy Companions: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the cake's richness and provide a cool, smooth contrast.
• Wine Wonderland: Select a light, slightly sweet rosé or a crisp Moscato to harmonize with the blackberry's tartness and the cake's delicate floral undertones, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Cheese Board Bonus: Add a small plate of mild goat cheese or brie on the side, which will create an elegant flavor interaction and add a luxurious touch to your dessert presentation.

Creative Takes on This Swirled Cake

• Berry Bliss Remix: Swap blackberries for raspberries and add a hint of mint to create a refreshing summer-inspired cake with vibrant red swirls and cool herbal notes.
• Tropical Paradise Cake: Replace blackberries with mango puree and add coconut flakes to the batter, transforming the lavender cake into a sunny, tropical-themed dessert with exotic flavors.
• Autumn Spice Fusion: Incorporate cinnamon and nutmeg into the cake batter, use pear jam instead of blackberry, and sprinkle crushed pecans on top for a warm, cozy fall-inspired version of the original recipe.
• Citrus Lavender Dream: Infuse the cake with orange zest, use blood orange jam for swirling, and add a light cream cheese frosting to create a bright, zesty alternative that highlights the floral lavender undertones.

Ingredients That Make the Flavor Pop

• Fresh Blackberries: Ripe, sweet berries are the star of the fruity jam with deep purple color and intense flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the jam during cooking process.
• Dried Lavender Buds: Adds a delicate floral note and aromatic essence to the blackberry mixture.
• Lemon Juice: Balances the sweetness and helps preserve the bright flavor of the jam.

• All-Purpose Flour: The primary structural base for the soft and tender cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Brings richness and creates a tender crumb in the cake.
• Large Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the cake ingredients together.
• Baking Powder: Ensures the cake rises and becomes light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, classic background flavor to the cake.
• Whole Milk: Contributes moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter.

• White Chocolate: Creates a rich, creamy base for the frosting with subtle sweetness.
• Cream Cheese: Provides tanginess and helps stabilize the frosting.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and smooth texture to the frosting.
• Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the frosting.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor to the white chocolate frosting.

Bringing the Swirl to Life, Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Blackberry Lavender Jam

• Fresh blackberries
• Honey
• Lemon juice
• Dried lavender

Combine ingredients in a medium pot. Bring to a boil while mashing berries. Cook until mixture reduces and thickens by one-third. Let cool completely to allow further thickening.

Step 2: Prepare Cake Batter

• Coconut oil
• Sour cream
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Whole milk

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until smooth. Gradually fold in dry ingredients. Add milk and mix until batter is completely blended.

Step 3: Create Cake Swirl

Pour cake batter into prepared pan. Drop spoonfuls of cooled blackberry jam across the surface. Use a knife to create gentle swirling patterns throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake Cake

Place cake in preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove and allow cake to cool completely at room temperature.

Step 5: Prepare White Chocolate Frosting

• Unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar
• White chocolate
• Vanilla extract

Beat butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Melt white chocolate and incorporate into frosting. Add vanilla for extra flavor.

Step 6: Decorate Cake

Spread a thin layer of remaining blackberry jam across cooled cake. Top with white chocolate frosting. Create additional swirl patterns using remaining jam for a beautiful presentation.

Cooking Notes:

Preparation Time: 25 minutes

Baking Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 60 minutes

Servings: 12 slices

Calories: 520 per slice

Serving Suggestion: Enjoy chilled or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh blackberries and lavender sprigs for an elegant touch.

Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Tips to Keep Your Lavender Cake Moist

• Master Jam Consistency: Cook the blackberry lavender jam until it reduces by one-third, ensuring a thick, spreadable texture that won't make your cake soggy.
• Gentle Swirling Technique: Use a knife to create light, delicate swirls in the batter, avoiding overmixing to maintain beautiful marbled patterns.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, sour cream, and butter to room temperature for smoother batter and more even cake texture.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Extend parchment paper slightly over pan edges for easy cake removal and clean slicing.
• Cooling is Crucial: Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and ensure a pristine, professional finish.

How to Keep the Cake Fresh After Cutting

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Freeze: Wrap individual cake slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, let cake sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying to restore soft texture and enhance flavor.

Swirled Blackberry Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Blackberry lavender sheet cake brings Mediterranean elegance to classic dessert traditions. Delicate floral notes and sweet berry essence mingle seamlessly, inviting you to savor each luscious, aromatic slice with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients (Cake and Frosting):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup whole milk
• 8 ounces (226 grams) white chocolate
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting)
• 4 cups powdered sugar

Berry Components:

• 2 cups fresh blackberries
• 2 tablespoons lavender buds
• ¼ cup granulated sugar (for jam)

Baking and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• ¼ teaspoon lavender extract

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Instructions

1. Craft a luscious blackberry lavender reduction by simmering fresh berries with fragrant honey, zesty lemon juice, and delicate lavender buds in a medium pot until the mixture thickens and reduces by approximately one-third.
2. Allow the berry compote to cool and set, which will naturally enhance its consistency and concentrate flavors.
3. Prepare the baking vessel by carefully lining a 9×13 inch pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless cake removal.
4. Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F, creating an ideal baking environment.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together liquid coconut oil, creamy sour cream, farm-fresh eggs, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and homogeneous.
6. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt – mixing gently to prevent overworking the batter.
7. Introduce milk to the mixture, stirring until a silky, uniform batter forms with no visible lumps.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly to create a smooth surface.
9. Artfully dollop the cooled blackberry lavender reduction across the batter, using a knife to create elegant swirling patterns.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden surface and a clean toothpick test.
11. Let the cake cool completely, allowing the texture to settle and flavors to meld.
12. Prepare the frosting by whipping butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy, then folding in melted white chocolate and vanilla.
13. Spread a thin layer of the reserved berry reduction across the cake’s surface.
14. Generously frost the cake, creating decorative swirls by incorporating additional berry compote into the white frosting.
15. Slice and serve, revealing the beautiful lavender-infused blackberry swirls within the tender cake.

Notes

• Swap regular jam for homemade blackberry lavender sauce, transforming this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
• Swirling technique requires gentle hand movements to create beautiful marble-like patterns without overmixing.
• White chocolate in frosting adds unexpected richness and balances the tangy blackberry and floral lavender notes.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg