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Lavender Honey Cupcakes Recipe – Soft, Moist & Easy to Make

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the cupcakes:
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup honey (mild, such as clover or wildflower)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 1–1 1/2 tsp dried culinary lavender buds, finely crushed
  • Optional: zest of 1 small lemon
  • For the honey buttercream:
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4–2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tbsp honey
  • 1–2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Garnish (optional): Extra lavender buds or a drizzle of honey

Method
 

  1. Prep the oven and pan: Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners.
  2. Crush the lavender: Using a mortar and pestle or the back of a spoon, crush the dried lavender until fine. This releases flavor and avoids chewy bits.
  3. Whisk dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed lavender.
  4. Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and honey on medium-high until pale and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes.
  5. Add eggs and vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, then vanilla (and lemon zest if using), scraping the bowl as needed.
  6. Combine with buttermilk: On low speed, add half the dry mix, then buttermilk, then the remaining dry mix. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Fill and bake: Divide batter evenly among liners (about 2/3 full). Bake 16–20 minutes, until tops spring back and a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool completely: Let cupcakes cool in the pan 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack to cool fully.
  9. Make the frosting: Beat butter until creamy. Add powdered sugar in two additions with honey, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Thin with cream or milk to your desired texture. Taste and adjust honey or salt.
  10. Frost and garnish: Swirl frosting onto cooled cupcakes. Finish with a tiny pinch of lavender or a light honey drizzle.