Lavender Honey Cupcakes

Name: Lavender Honey Cupcakes
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup milk infused with culinary lavender; 1 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp baking soda; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 2 tbsp honey; 1-2 tbsp milk; 1 tsp culinary lavender, finely ground for garnish

Highlighted under: Easy Baking Recipes

I absolutely love making Lavender Honey Cupcakes, especially when the weather warms up. The combination of delicate lavender and sweet honey creates a flavor profile that always delights my friends and family. These cupcakes are not only moist and fluffy, but they're also visually stunning with their lovely lavender hue. They’re perfect for spring gatherings or just to enjoy with a cup of tea. I guarantee that once you take a bite, you’ll be transported to a peaceful garden filled with floral aromas.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T21:18:28.429Z

When I first attempted to make Lavender Honey Cupcakes, I wasn’t sure how the flavors would come together. To my delight, the subtle herbal notes of lavender married beautifully with the sweetness of honey, creating an enchanting cupcake that quickly became a favorite. I often pair them with a lavender-infused frosting to elevate the experience.

One tip I found invaluable is to use culinary-grade lavender, as it maintains a vibrant flavor that truly shines through. Always remember to steep the lavender in warm milk before adding it to your batter, as this helps to extract its essence more effectively, resulting in cupcakes that are bursting with flavor.

Why You'll Love These Cupcakes
Delicate floral aroma that elevates your baking
Luxuriously moist with a perfect balance of sweetness
A unique twist on classic cupcakes for any occasion

The Importance of Culinary Lavender

Culinary lavender is the star of this recipe, providing a unique flavor that sets these cupcakes apart. It's essential to use culinary-grade lavender, as other varieties, like decorative lavender, can be bitter or toxic. Lavender not only imparts a lovely aroma but also a subtle floral taste that complements the sweetness of honey beautifully. Properly infusing your milk with lavender is key; steeping it just long enough ensures the flavor is present without being overpowering.

When incorporating lavender into your baking, texture is crucial. Ensure that you finely grind the dried lavender before using it in your frosting. This allows for even distribution and a more pleasant mouthfeel, avoiding large pieces that might disrupt the creamy texture. If you find the flavor too strong, feel free to reduce the amount of lavender used, as a little goes a long way.

Key Tips for Moist Cupcakes

Achieving that luxuriously moist texture in your Lavender Honey Cupcakes is all about careful ingredient management. The combination of butter, honey, and eggs works in harmony to create a tender crumb. Make sure your butter is softened but not melted; this allows for better aeration when creamed with sugar, resulting in a lighter cupcake. If you’re looking to lighten the recipe, you can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce without significantly sacrificing moisture.

Another tip for ensuring your cupcakes remain moist is to avoid overmixing. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix them until just combined; this helps prevent gluten development which can lead to a denser texture. Also, watch your baking time closely—insert a toothpick into the center, and if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, your cupcakes are perfectly baked.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delightful Lavender Honey Cupcakes:

For the Cupcakes

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/4 cup milk infused with culinary lavender
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
2 tbsp honey
1-2 tbsp milk
1 tsp culinary lavender, finely ground for garnish

These ingredients will create about 12 delicious cupcakes that you can share with friends!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Lavender Honey Cupcakes:

Prepare the Lavender Milk

In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not boiling. Add 1 tablespoon of culinary lavender and steep for about 10 minutes before straining and setting aside.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the honey, followed by the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, alternating with the infused lavender milk until just combined.

Bake the Cupcakes

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake tin with liners. Fill each cup about two-thirds full with batter. Bake for 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Make the Frosting

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, honey, and a splash of milk until you reach your desired consistency. Optionally, add a touch of ground lavender for flavor.

Frost and Garnish

Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, use a piping bag to frost them. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely ground lavender or a drizzle of honey.

Enjoy your beautifully decorated cupcakes!

Pro Tips

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a few drops of lavender extract to the batter or frosting. Always test the taste of the lavender before adding it to ensure it's not overpowering. Pair these cupcakes with a cup of chamomile or herbal tea for a delightful afternoon treat.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

These Lavender Honey Cupcakes can be made a day in advance, making them perfect for gatherings. Store the unfrosted cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature to keep their moisture intact. If you wish to frost them later, consider chilling the cupcakes for about 30 minutes to help the frosting hold its shape better when applied.

If you have leftover cupcakes, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, but allow them to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze them for up to three months; just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before enjoying.

Variations and Serving Ideas

For an intriguing twist, feel free to experiment with flavors in the cupcake batter. Adding a zest of lemon or orange can brighten the floral notes of the lavender. Alternatively, you can mix in crushed edible flowers into the batter for added visual appeal and flavor complexity. Pairing these cupcakes with a light, herbal tea or sparkling lemonade enhances their delicate flavor and makes for a refreshing treat.

Consider serving your Lavender Honey Cupcakes on a lovely tiered stand, garnished with additional lavender sprigs or edible flowers. This not only elevates their presentation but also creates an inviting atmosphere for your spring gatherings. Adorn each cupcake with a small drizzle of honey just before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dried lavender instead of fresh?

Yes, just make sure it’s culinary-grade dried lavender to ensure it's safe for consumption.

→ How do I store leftover cupcakes?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for a longer shelf-life.

→ Can I substitute honey with sugar?

You can, but the flavor and moisture will change slightly. Honey adds a unique sweetness and moistness.

→ Is it necessary to use lavender milk?

Using lavender milk enhances the flavor significantly, but you can use regular milk in a pinch.