The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Lavender Buttercream: Two Delicious Recipes for Every Occasion

Lavender lovers, get ready to elevate your baking! 💜 With National Lavender Day just around the corner on July 10, it’s the perfect time to delve into one of my all-time favorite ways to celebrate this enchanting herb: crafting the most exquisite homemade lavender buttercream. This isn’t just any frosting; it’s a culinary dream, designed to bring a touch of floral elegance and sweet serenity to your favorite treats.

Imagine a frosting that is light, exquisitely creamy, and infused with just the right amount of botanical sweetness. This lavender buttercream is an absolute dream on fluffy cupcakes, adds a sophisticated layer to elaborate cakes, and transforms simple cookies into gourmet delights. It’s incredibly versatile and surprisingly easy to make, and because everyone’s palate is unique, I’m thrilled to share two distinct versions: one that’s wonderfully sweet and indulgent, and another that offers a softer, more balanced floral note.

Are you ready to discover which version will capture your heart and become your go-to frosting? Let’s embark on this fragrant baking adventure together…

For those who have followed my culinary journey, you know how passionate I am about thoroughly testing recipes with my closest friends and family before sharing them with you. And let me tell you, this lavender buttercream recipe sparked some lively discussions! Everyone had their preferences: some longed for a sweeter profile, while others craved a more pronounced lavender aroma. I meticulously considered every single comment and suggestion (often with frosting on my nose, a testament to the fun we had!). That dedication led to the creation of both incredible versions you’ll find below, ensuring you can choose the perfect one for your personal taste or for the special crowd you’re baking for.

If you share my deep affection for all things lavender, there’s a whole world of aromatic delights waiting to be explored! This buttercream is an absolute revelation when paired with my soft orange muffins – a truly irresistible summer dessert combination. Or, why not venture into making your own homemade lavender extract? It’s fantastic for infusing a delicate floral essence into your favorite drinks and a variety of desserts. You can easily browse all my captivating lavender recipes right here, perfect for adding a sophisticated floral flair to tea parties, summer brunches, or simply any day that calls for a touch of fragrant beauty.

So, gather your ingredients, grab your whisk, and choose your prettiest piping bag – let’s create something truly beautiful, fragrant, and utterly delicious together. I genuinely can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this lavender buttercream. 🌿

🥘 Essential Ingredients for Your Lavender Buttercream

Crafting perfect lavender buttercream starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that dreamy, smooth texture and delicate floral flavor. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:

• Unsalted butter, softened: This is the backbone of any good buttercream. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of your frosting. Ensure it’s at true room temperature – soft enough to easily indent with your finger, but not melted – for effortless whipping into a light, airy texture.
• Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioners’ sugar, this fine sugar is essential for a smooth, lump-free buttercream. Sifting it meticulously before use is a non-negotiable step to avoid a grainy texture.
• Heavy cream or milk: A splash of liquid helps achieve the perfect consistency. Heavy cream adds richness and a thicker, more luxurious mouthfeel, while milk offers a lighter alternative. Both work beautifully for infusing the lavender.
• Vanilla extract: A classic flavor enhancer, vanilla complements the floral notes of lavender, adding depth and warmth without overpowering it. Use a good quality pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.
• Dried culinary lavender, finely ground: The star of the show! It’s crucial to use culinary-grade lavender, as other types may be treated with pesticides or simply not taste as good. Finely grinding helps release its aromatic oils when steeped in the warm cream, creating that lovely floral infusion.
• Monin lavender syrup: This optional but highly recommended ingredient provides a consistent boost of lavender flavor and a touch of extra sweetness. It ensures a vibrant lavender presence, especially if your dried lavender is subtle.
• Salt: Just a pinch of fine sea salt is a secret weapon in buttercream. It balances the sweetness of the sugar and enhances all the other flavors, making the frosting taste more complex and delicious.
• Purple food coloring (optional): For that iconic, beautiful soft lavender hue, a drop or two of food coloring can make all the difference. Gel food colorings are preferred as they are more concentrated and won’t thin out your buttercream.

For precise measurements and a printable recipe, please refer to the recipe card further down the page.

💜 Prefer a less sweet version of this delightful buttercream? You’ll find a dedicated recipe for it just below, and it’s also conveniently included in the comprehensive recipe card!

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions: Crafting Your Dreamy Lavender Buttercream (Sweet Version)

Follow these detailed steps to create a beautifully sweet and indulgent lavender buttercream that will impress everyone. Precision and patience are key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor.

Step 1: Infuse the lavender for maximum flavor
Begin by gently warming your heavy cream or milk in a small saucepan over low heat. The goal is to make it hot, but under no circumstances should it boil, as this can scorch the milk and dull the lavender’s delicate flavor. Once warm, stir in the dried culinary lavender buds. Immediately cover the saucepan with a lid. This crucial step traps the aromatic steam, allowing the lavender to steep and infuse its lovely floral essence into the cream for 15 to 20 minutes. This creates the foundation of our unique lavender flavor.

Step 2: Achieve perfectly whipped butter
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), beat the softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the butter transforms. It should become noticeably paler in color, light, and incredibly fluffy – almost like ethereal, sweet lavender clouds! This aeration is crucial for a truly light buttercream.

Step 3: Sift the powdered sugar for ultimate smoothness
Before you even think about adding the powdered sugar, take the time to sieve it thoroughly through a fine-mesh sieve. This step is often overlooked but is absolutely essential for preventing any lumps or gritty texture in your finished buttercream. A smooth frosting is a sign of a professional touch!

Step 4: Gradually mix in sugar and salt
With your mixer set to its lowest speed to prevent a cloud of powdered sugar from erupting, begin adding the sifted powdered sugar. Add it one cup at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate into the butter before adding more. This gradual process helps build a stable emulsion. After a couple of additions, sprinkle in your pinch of salt. This small amount is vital for balancing the intense sweetness and bringing out the other flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate the lavender infusion and flavorings
Once the lavender has steeped, carefully strain the infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve directly into your butter-sugar mixture. Make sure to press lightly on the lavender buds to extract all the flavorful liquid, then discard the spent buds. Add in the vanilla extract and, if using, the Monin lavender syrup. Turn the mixer to medium speed and beat everything together for 2-3 minutes until the buttercream is perfectly smooth, wonderfully fluffy, and irresistibly dreamy. Scrape down the bowl periodically to ensure even mixing.

Step 6: Add a hint of color (optional)
If you desire that signature soft lavender hue, now is the time to add it. Introduce a single drop of purple food coloring to the buttercream. Mix on low speed, then gradually add more drops, one at a time, until you achieve your desired shade. Be cautious not to add too much at once, as a little food coloring goes a long way!

💜 Lavender Buttercream – The Low Sweetness Version

For those who prefer their treats with a more subtle sweetness and a bolder floral presence, this less-sweet lavender buttercream is a delightful alternative. It allows the fragrant lavender notes to truly shine, creating a sophisticated and balanced flavor profile that’s perfect for a discerning palate.

Ingredients for Low Sweetness Lavender Buttercream

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, at room temperature (essential for proper whipping)
• 3¾ cups (450g) powdered sugar, thoroughly sieved (to maintain a smooth texture)
• 4 tablespoons (60ml) lavender-infused milk or cream (the heart of the lavender flavor)
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract (for balancing and enhancing the floral notes)
• 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender (for a stronger infusion)
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt (to cut through the sweetness and highlight flavors)
• Optional: 3-4 drops Monin lavender syrup (for an extra burst of concentrated lavender taste)

To prepare your lavender-infused milk or cream

This simple process ensures a potent and delightful lavender base for your buttercream:

Step 1 – Gently warm 5 tablespoons (75ml) of milk or cream in a small saucepan over low heat. Ensure it’s warm to the touch but not boiling.

Step 2 – Add 2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender to the warm liquid. The slightly higher amount of lavender here ensures a more prominent flavor in this less sweet version.

Step 3 – Cover the saucepan and allow the lavender to steep for a minimum of 15 minutes. This prolonged steeping extracts maximum aroma and flavor. Afterward, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all lavender buds, then let the infused liquid cool completely before incorporating it into your butter mixture. Cooling prevents it from melting your butter.

Instructions for the Low Sweetness Version

Step 1: Whip the butter to airy perfection – Start by placing your room-temperature unsalted butter in the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat it on medium-high speed for a good 3 to 4 minutes, or until it becomes noticeably pale, light, and incredibly fluffy. This step incorporates air, making the buttercream light and easy to spread.

Step 2: Incorporate sugar gradually – Reduce the mixer speed to low. Begin adding the thoroughly sifted powdered sugar, one spoonful at a time. Mix well after each addition to allow the sugar to fully blend. This slow and steady approach is key to maintaining a smooth consistency and preventing a messy “sugar storm” on your kitchen counter!

Step 3: Introduce the floral essence and flavor enhancers – Once most of the sugar is incorporated, pour in the completely cooled lavender-infused milk. Add the vanilla extract and, if you desire a deeper floral intensity, a drop or two of Monin lavender syrup. Mix on low speed until just combined.

Step 4: Beat until beautifully creamy – Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the buttercream for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This final whipping will transform everything into a silky-smooth, fluffy, and perfectly spreadable frosting. The texture should be utterly spoon-lickable!

Step 5: Taste and fine-tune to your liking – Before you finish, always taste your buttercream. If you find yourself craving a slightly stronger lavender note, feel free to add another ½ teaspoon of Monin lavender syrup or a single drop of concentrated lavender extract. This is your chance to truly customize the flavor to your heart’s delight!

🍽 Essential Equipment for Perfect Buttercream

Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving a flawless lavender buttercream. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Saucepan: A small saucepan is perfect for gently warming the cream and steeping your culinary lavender, ensuring a potent floral infusion.
• Spoon: For stirring, scraping down the bowl, and general mixing, a sturdy spoon is indispensable.
• Hand or Stand mixer: Absolutely crucial for whipping the butter and powdered sugar into a light, airy, and fluffy buttercream. A stand mixer offers hands-free convenience, while a hand mixer provides excellent control.
• Close-meshed sieve: Essential for sifting powdered sugar to prevent lumps and for straining the lavender buds from the infused cream, guaranteeing a smooth and delightful frosting.

Pro Tips for Flawless Lavender Buttercream

Achieving bakery-quality buttercream is easier than you think with a few simple tricks:

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature. Cold butter won’t cream properly, leading to a lumpy texture. If you’re short on time, cut butter into small cubes and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
• Sift, Sift, Sift: Powdered sugar often contains small clumps. Sifting it rigorously before adding it to your butter will guarantee a silky-smooth buttercream free of any gritty texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Quality Lavender Matters: Always use culinary-grade dried lavender. Lavender intended for potpourri or decorative purposes may be treated with chemicals and is not safe for consumption, nor will it taste good.
• Don’t Over-Whip the Finished Buttercream: Once all ingredients are combined, beat only until light and fluffy. Over-whipping can incorporate too much air, making the buttercream greasy or prone to deflating.
• Adjust Consistency: If your buttercream is too thick, add a tiny bit more cream (1 teaspoon at a time) until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can add a tablespoon or two more sifted powdered sugar.
• Storing Leftovers: Lavender buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature, then re-whip it for a few minutes before using. It can also be frozen for up to a month.

Troubleshooting Common Buttercream Woes

Even experienced bakers encounter challenges. Here are solutions to common buttercream problems:

• My Buttercream is Lumpy/Gritty: This is almost always due to unsifted powdered sugar or cold butter. For lumps, try beating longer. If it’s gritty, it means the sugar hasn’t dissolved. You might need to gently warm a small portion over a double boiler, whisk it until smooth, then reincorporate. Next time, always sift your sugar!
• My Buttercream is Too Runny: This could be caused by over-adding liquid (cream/milk) or if your kitchen is too warm. Try adding more sifted powdered sugar (a tablespoon at a time) to thicken it. You can also chill the buttercream in the fridge for 15-20 minutes, then re-whip it.
• My Buttercream is Too Stiff: If it’s too firm to spread, gradually add more liquid (cream or milk), 1 teaspoon at a time, while beating on low speed until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
• My Buttercream Looks Curdled: This often happens if ingredients are at different temperatures. Don’t panic! Keep beating it. Sometimes, beating it longer on medium-high speed can bring it back together. If not, try gently warming a small portion and slowly incorporating it back into the main batch, beating continuously.
• The Lavender Flavor Isn’t Strong Enough: Ensure you’re using culinary-grade lavender and steeping it for the full recommended time. For a stronger flavor, consider adding a few more drops of Monin lavender syrup or a tiny amount of lavender extract (use sparingly, as it can be very potent).

I sincerely hope this guide to homemade lavender buttercream brings a little extra joy, a touch of elegance, and a whole lot of deliciousness to your summer bakes and beyond. Whether you opt for the classic sweet version or the softer, less sugary one, remember that the true essence lies in creating something that you absolutely love. I’m genuinely delighted to share both fantastic options with you, empowering your baking creativity.

Stay tuned! Coming soon: the irresistible orange muffins that pair absolutely perfectly with this floral dream frosting! You definitely won’t want to miss that recipe. 🍊💜

If you embark on making this delightful lavender buttercream recipe, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please share how much you enjoyed it by leaving a ★★★★★ star rating and a comment below. Your feedback is truly awesome and helps others discover these recipes! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive weekly delicious homemade recipes directly to your inbox, or follow me on Pinterest or Instagram and share your beautiful creation with me. Just tag me @combinegoodflavors and use the hashtag #combinegoodflavors, so I won’t miss it!

📖 Recipe Card: Sweet Lavender Buttercream

How to make The Best Homemade Lavender Buttercream?

Nora

This dreamy homemade lavender buttercream is incredibly light, wonderfully creamy, and infused with a beautifully delicate floral flavor – truly ideal for frosting your favorite cupcakes, cakes, or cookies. This recipe card focuses on the classic sweet version, with a lower sugar option detailed in the notes below!

5 from 3 votes

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Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Condiment, Frosting

Cuisine Global cuisine

Servings 2.5 cups

Calories 1399 kcal

Equipment

• Small Saucepan
• Mixing Spoon
• Hand or Stand Mixer
• Fine-meshed Sieve

Yields 2.5 cups

Calories 1399 kcal

⛑️ Important Food Safety Guidelines

Ensuring food safety is paramount when preparing any recipe, especially those involving fresh ingredients. Please keep these guidelines in mind to protect yourself and your loved ones:

• Cook all food, especially those containing raw eggs or dairy, to a minimum safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) to eliminate harmful bacteria. While this buttercream recipe doesn’t involve cooking, proper handling of dairy is crucial.
• Always use separate utensils and cutting boards for raw ingredients (if applicable) and cooked food to prevent cross-contamination.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water before and after handling any food, particularly raw ingredients.
• Do not leave perishable food, such as buttercream made with dairy, sitting out at room temperature for extended periods. Refrigerate promptly.
• Never leave cooking food unattended on the stovetop or in the oven.
• When cooking with oils, use varieties with a high smoking point to avoid the production of harmful compounds and off-flavors.
• Always ensure good ventilation when using a gas stove to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide.

For further comprehensive information and detailed guidelines on safe food handling practices, please consult the Safe Food Handling – FDA website.