Ingredients
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened
- Powdered sugar: 4 cups, sifted
- Heavy cream or whole milk: 4 tablespoons
- Culinary dried lavender buds: 1 tablespoon
- vanilla bean paste: 1 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt: 1/4 teaspoon
Instructions
- Step 1: Gently heat the heavy cream or milk in a small saucepan until just simmering. Remove immediately from the heat, stir in the dried culinary lavender buds, and let the mixture steep for 15 to 20 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Step 2: Strain the lavender-infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl, pressing down on the buds to extract as much liquid as possible; discard the lavender buds. Set the cooled, strained liquid aside.
- Step 3: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened butter and salt on medium speed until the butter is very light and creamy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce the speed to low and gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Add the alcohol-free vanilla extract, then slowly drizzle the strained lavender-infused cream into the mixture while the mixer is running on low. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is light, airy, and smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Notes
- Store this buttercream at cool room temperature for up to 24 hours, or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week.
- If the frosting is chilled, allow it to come fully to room temperature before re-whipping it vigorously in the stand mixer for 60 seconds to restore the light, fluffy volume.
- This subtle, floral frosting beautifully complements simple almond or vanilla baked goods, or try piping it onto fresh lemon shortbread cookies.
- For maximum fluff, always ensure the lavender-infused cream is completely cooled before it is drizzled into the whipped butter and sugar, preventing the butter from melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American