Decadent Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

Dreamy Swirled Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe for Bakers

Delicate lavender and vibrant blackberries dance together in this swirled blackberry-lavender sheet cake that promises pure dessert magic.

Summer’s most enchanting flavors bloom across a soft, tender canvas of sweet cake.

Each slice reveals a mesmerizing purple-berry swirl that beckons you closer with its aromatic allure.

The delicate floral notes of lavender mingle seamlessly with the bright, juicy burst of blackberries.

This elegant dessert combines rustic charm with sophisticated flavor profiles that surprise and delight.

Bakers seeking a showstopping treat will fall in love with this stunning sheet cake that transforms simple ingredients into a work of art.

One bite promises to transport you to a sunlit garden blooming with wild berries and fragrant herbs.

Storage Recommendations for Blackberry-Lavender Cake Leftovers

  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap loosely with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent absorbing other food flavors.
  • Freezing Technique: Slice cake into individual portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen cake stays delicious for 2-3 months when sealed properly.
  • Room Temperature Care: Keep cake covered at cool room temperature for 1-2 days maximum. Place under a cake dome or plastic container to protect from dust and maintain freshness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare blackberry-lavender jam and cake base one day before serving. Assemble and frost just before your event to ensure peak taste and stunning presentation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 13

Swirled Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake Ingredient List

For Fruit and Flavor Base:
  • Blackberries: Provide vibrant color and juicy sweetness, select ripe and plump berries with deep purple-black color.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create smooth fruit compote, choose raw or local honey for best flavor.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens fruit flavors and balances sweetness, fresh squeeze for optimal tanginess.
  • Dried Lavender: Introduces delicate floral notes, select food-grade lavender with rich purple color and aromatic scent.
For Cake Structure and Moisture:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates cake's foundation and provides structure, use fresh, sifted flour for smooth texture.
  • Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness, select large, room temperature eggs.
  • Coconut Oil: Ensures moisture and tender crumb, use unrefined for deeper flavor.
  • Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creates soft, tender cake, full-fat version recommended.
  • Milk: Contributes to cake's liquid content and softness, whole milk preferred.
  • Kosher Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, balances sweetness.
  • Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light texture.
  • Baking Powder: Provides additional leavening and ensures even rise.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create tender crumb.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to cake's flavor, use pure vanilla for best results.
For Frosting and Finishing:
  • Salted Butter: Creates creamy, rich frosting base, use high-quality butter at room temperature.
  • Powdered Sugar: Provides smoothness and sweetness to frosting.
  • White Chocolate: Adds richness and helps stabilize.

What You Need to Bake Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Medium pot: For cooking blackberry lavender jam.
  • Large mixing bowl: Blend wet ingredients smoothly.
  • Fork or potato masher: Crush berries during jam preparation.
  • 9×13 inch baking dish: Standard pan for sheet cake.
  • Parchment paper: Line baking dish for easy cake removal.
  • Whisk or electric mixer: Combine ingredients thoroughly.
  • Knife: Create decorative swirls on cake surface.
  • Spatula: Spread frosting evenly across cake.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure precise ingredient amounts.

Instructions for Swirled Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Berry Bliss Preparation

Gently simmer juicy blackberries with sweet honey, bright lemon juice, and fragrant lavender until mixture transforms into a rich, glossy jam. Let cool naturally while developing deeper flavors.

  • Baking Canvas

Line a spacious rectangular baking dish with parchment paper, creating a smooth surface for your cake adventure. Warm the oven to a perfect 350°F.

  • Liquid Foundation

Whisk together creamy coconut oil, tangy sour cream, farm-fresh eggs, delicate sugar, and pure vanilla until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.

  • Flour Magic

Fold dry ingredients into the liquid base, stirring gently to create a smooth, luxurious batter without overmixing. The secret is light touches that keep the cake tender.

  • Swirl Symphony

Pour the velvety batter into the prepared pan, creating an even landscape. Dollop lavender-blackberry jam across the surface, using a knife to create mesmerizing marble patterns that promise delightful surprises in every slice.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake the cake until it turns a golden bronze, filling the kitchen with intoxicating aromas. Watch for those perfect moments when the edges turn slightly crisp and the center looks perfectly set.

  • Frosting Finale

Whip up a dreamy white chocolate frosting, spreading it generously across the cooled cake. Accent with artistic swirls of remaining berry jam, creating a stunning dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Ways to Personalize Your Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake

  • This recipe offers delightful twists to elevate your cake-making experience.
  • Exchange fresh lavender with dried culinary lavender for more intense floral notes or try other delicate herbs like chamomile for unique flavor profiles.
  • Ensure ingredients like sour cream and eggs are at room temperature to guarantee smoother batter and more consistent cake texture, preventing unwanted lumps during mixing.
  • Store this cake covered in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Pro tip: Let slices sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving to restore soft, tender crumb and enhance flavor complexity.
  • Replace blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or mixed berry combinations to create exciting seasonal variations that keep the recipe feeling fresh and adventurous.

Serving Tips for Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake

  • Elegant Tea Party Plating: Slice the cake into delicate squares and arrange on vintage china plates. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs and a few whole blackberries for a sophisticated presentation that captures the dessert's elegant essence.
  • Picnic Perfect Portions: Cut the cake into portable rectangles and pack in individual containers. Wrap each slice in parchment paper for a charming outdoor dessert that's easy to transport and share during summer gatherings or countryside picnics.
  • Dessert Beverage Pairing: Serve alongside a chilled lavender lemonade or light chamomile tea. The complementary floral notes will enhance the cake's subtle botanical flavors, creating a refreshing and harmonious taste experience that delights the palate.
  • Brunch Centerpiece Styling: Display the entire sheet cake on a rustic wooden board with scattered fresh berries and edible flowers. Use a beautiful cake server and create an inviting centerpiece that becomes a conversation starter during weekend brunch gatherings.
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Decadent Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe

Decadent Blackberry-Lavender Sheet Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 13 1x

Description

Blackberry-lavender sheet cake combines delicate floral notes with fruity richness for a memorable dessert. Silky lavender-infused frosting and fresh blackberry compote create a harmonious flavor profile you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups / 1.4 kg fresh or frozen blackberries
  • 1 ½ cups / 300 g granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup / 240 ml milk
  • 3 cups / 375 g all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup / 240 ml melted coconut oil
  • 16 tbsps / 226 g salted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 ½ cups / 180 g powdered sugar
  • 6 oz / 170 g white chocolate, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup / 120 ml sour cream
  • ½ cup / 170 g honey
  • 12 tbsps / 4-8 g dried lavender
  • 1 tbsp / 15 ml lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp / 15 ml vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp / 6 g kosher salt
  • 1 ½ tsps / 7.5 g baking powder
  • ½ tsp / 2.5 g baking soda

Instructions

  1. Compote Creation: Merge blackberries, honey, lemon juice, and lavender in a saucepan. Simmer and crush berries until the mixture reduces and thickens, creating a rich, concentrated fruit sauce. Set aside to cool.
  2. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage.
  3. Wet Mixture: Whisk melted coconut oil, sour cream, eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-integrated.
  4. Dry Ingredients: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. Fold gently into wet mixture, avoiding overmixing. Incorporate milk to maintain a silky, lump-free consistency.
  5. Baking Process: Pour batter into prepared dish, distributing evenly. Dollop compote across the surface and create elegant swirls using a knife’s tip.
  6. Oven Treatment: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden-brown, testing doneness with a clean toothpick. Cool completely on a wire rack.
  7. Frosting Preparation: Whip softened butter until fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar and melted white chocolate. Blend with vanilla extract to create a luxurious, glossy topping.
  8. Cake Finishing: Spread a thin layer of reserved compote across the cooled cake. Cover with white chocolate frosting using an offset spatula. Drizzle additional compote for a visually stunning presentation.

Notes

  • Chill Compote Completely: Allow the blackberry-lavender compote to cool entirely before swirling into cake batter to prevent uneven baking and maintain distinct swirl patterns.
  • Prevent Overmixing: Stir dry ingredients minimally when folding into wet mixture to ensure a tender, light cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
  • Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test by inserting it into the cake’s center; if it comes out clean with minimal crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs, milk, and sour cream to room temperature before mixing to create a smoother, more consistent cake batter that rises evenly.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 13
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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