Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting

Name: Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 4 cups powdered sugar; 1/4 cup honey; 2 tablespoons culinary lavender, dried; 3 tablespoons milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Treats & Confections

I absolutely love incorporating unique flavors into my baking, and this Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting is a delightful example. The delicate floral notes from the lavender combined with the subtle sweetness of honey create a frosting that’s not only stunning but also adds a sophisticated twist to your desserts. Perfect for cupcakes or layered cakes, this frosting brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this flavor-packed buttercream that will impress your friends and family.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2026-02-15T14:54:18.496Z

When I first tried making Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting, I wanted to create something that stood out both in flavor and presentation. By steeping culinary lavender in a bit of milk, I was able to extract that lovely floral essence that truly transforms the frosting. The addition of honey gives it a rich sweetness that balances perfectly with the lavender.

I learned that using high-quality butter really makes a difference in taste and texture. Combining room temperature butter with the honey and lavender-infused milk creates a creamy consistency that spreads beautifully. Don’t rush the process; let each ingredient meld together for the best results!

Why You'll Love This Frosting
Unique floral flavor that elevates any dessert
Velvety texture with a touch of sweetness from honey
Easy to make and works beautifully for special occasions

Understanding the Ingredients

Each ingredient plays a vital role in the overall texture and flavor of the Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting. The unsalted butter provides the creamy base, while the powdered sugar not only sweetens but also contributes to the frosting's structure, helping it hold its shape when piped. It's crucial to use high-quality butter for the best flavor, which can elevate the floral notes of the lavender and the sweetness of the honey even further.

Culinary lavender is the star of this frosting, adding a unique and sophisticated flavor profile. When selecting lavender, ensure it is labeled as culinary to guarantee it is safe for consumption. The honey not only sweetens but contributes a lovely gloss and richness to the frosting. If you prefer a floral sweetness that’s lighter, consider a mild honey, such as clover honey, which won’t overpower the lavender.

Techniques for Perfect Buttercream

The technique for making this buttercream is simple yet effective. Start by ensuring your butter is at room temperature (around 68°F to 72°F) so it can whip up into a light and airy texture. If your butter is too cold, it will not emulsify properly with the sugar, resulting in a grainy consistency. Be patient while beating the butter - this step typically takes about 3-5 minutes until it turns pale and fluffy.

When adding the powdered sugar, do so gradually while mixing on low speed to prevent a sugary cloud. Once it's incorporated, increase the speed to medium-high for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the frosting to become light and fluffy. If you desire a stronger lavender flavor, consider infusing more lavender in the milk or even adding a drop of lavender extract, but be cautious as it's potent and can easily overpower the sweetness.

Ingredients

For this exquisite Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting, you'll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons culinary lavender, dried
3 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Once you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the preparation.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting:

Infuse the Milk

In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the milk and add the dried lavender. Allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Strain the milk to remove the lavender.

Prepare the Butter

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low to combine.

Add Honey and Flavors

Pour in the cooled lavender-infused milk, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well incorporated and the frosting is light and fluffy.

Adjust Consistency

If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.

Your Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting is now ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

For a more intense lavender flavor, you can add a few more teaspoons of dried culinary lavender during the steeping process. Just be mindful not to overpower the delicate notes.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This buttercream can be prepared ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick beat to restore its fluffy texture. If you’ve piped the buttercream onto cupcakes, they can be stored in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days. Just remember to keep them covered to prevent drying out.

For longer storage, you can freeze the lavender honey buttercream for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight and then allow it to come to room temperature before re-whipping to achieve a smooth consistency again. This makes this frosting an excellent option for preparing dessert components in advance, streamlining your baking process.

Serving Suggestions

This Lavender Honey Buttercream Frosting is not only beautiful but incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla, lemon, or even chocolate cakes, enhancing the flavors and adding an aromatic twist. Consider using it to frost lavender-infused cupcakes for a cohesive flavor experience or sandwiching it between layers of a light sponge cake.

For a more adventurous approach, experiment with filling macarons with this frosting or use it as a dip for fresh fruits like strawberries or apples. The unique flavor profile also complements herbal teas beautifully, making it an excellent frosting choice for afternoon tea gatherings or elegant events.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh lavender, but ensure it's culinary-grade and use a bit less than the dried variety since fresh herbs can be more potent.

→ How should I store the frosting?

Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before using.

→ Can I make this frosting vegan?

To make a vegan version, use a plant-based butter substitute and agave syrup in place of honey.

→ What desserts pair well with this frosting?

This frosting pairs wonderfully with vanilla cakes, lemon cupcakes, or even as a filling for macarons.