Name: Lilac Bundt Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sugar; ½ cup packed fresh lilac blossoms (or substitute with lavender blossoms); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ¼ tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 stick (½ cup) butter, softened; 2 eggs; ½ cup water; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup packed fresh lilac blossoms (or substitute with lavender blossoms); 1 ½ cups icing sugar, plus more as needed; 2 tbsp reserved lilac simple syrup; 1 tbsp milk, plus more as needed; Few drops violet food colouring

Jump to Recipe

If there’s a dessert that feels like a joyful hug on a plate, those charming little treats have got to be Lilac Bundt Cakes. These delicate mini cakes capture the enchanting floral notes of fresh lilac blossoms, pairing their subtle sweetness with a tender crumb that melts right in your mouth. Each bite bursts with a hint of springtime magic thanks to the lilac-infused sugar and syrup, while the airy glaze adds just the perfect touch of elegant color and flavor. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a bite of something unique and delightful, these Lilac Bundt Cakes are sure to brighten your day and impress your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet thoughtfully chosen, the ingredients for these Lilac Bundt Cakes come together to create a flavor profile that’s light, fragrant, and fresh. Each element plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect texture, from the buttery softness of the cakes to the delicate floral infusions that define their unique character.

Sugar: The base for both the cake’s sweetness and the lilac-infused sugar blend that gives the cake its beautiful aroma.
Fresh lilac blossoms: The heart of the cake’s floral flavor; make sure to pick fresh petals free of leaves to avoid bitterness.
All-purpose flour: Provides structure and tenderness needed for the perfect crumb.
Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents that help these mini cakes rise beautifully and stay light.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, balancing sweetness and floral notes.
Milk and lemon juice: Together, these create a subtle tang that adds depth and tenderness.
Butter: Softened and creamed with sugar to bring richness and moisture.
Eggs: Bind the batter together while helping with structure and lift.
Water and additional sugar for syrup: To create the lilac simple syrup that elevates flavor and moistness.
Icing sugar and violet food coloring: For the luscious lilac glaze that ties the whole presentation together.

How to Make Lilac Bundt Cakes

Step 1: Prepare the Lilac Sugar and Dry Ingredients

Start by pulsing the fresh lilac blossoms with the sugar in a food processor. This delicate process infuses the sugar with the floral essence without crushing the petals too much, preserving their light fragrance. Meanwhile, whisk together your dry ingredients — flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt — in a separate bowl to ensure even distribution for a perfect rise in the oven.

Step 2: Sour the Milk and Cream Butter with Lilac Sugar

Combine milk with fresh lemon juice to create a homemade buttermilk effect, which tenderizes the cake and adds subtle tang. While this rests, cream together softened butter and the lilac sugar using a paddle attachment. The butter becomes light and fluffy, perfectly priming your batter for a tender crumb with just the right amount of moisture and flavor.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition for a smooth, unified batter. Then alternate adding thirds of the flour mixture and the soured milk, mixing gently on low speed to keep the batter light and aerated. This careful balance ensures your Lilac Bundt Cakes will rise just right, with a soft, springy texture that delights the palate.

Step 4: Fill Molds and Bake

Generously grease your mini bundt molds to prevent sticking, then fill each cavity evenly with the batter. Tap the pan to release any trapped air bubbles, which helps your cakes bake uniformly and maintain their delicate shape. Bake at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden tops spring back when touched and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the unmistakable scent of gentle lilac goodness.

Step 5: Make the Lilac Simple Syrup

While the cakes bake, prepare the lilac syrup by simmering water and sugar until the sugar melts completely. Remove from heat and steep the fresh lilac blossoms in the syrup to capture their fragrant essence. This syrup will later be brushed onto the cakes to keep them moist and amplify that lovely floral flavor — don’t forget to save a couple of tablespoons for the glaze too!

Step 6: Glaze and Finish

Mix the icing sugar with reserved lilac syrup and milk, adding a few drops of violet food coloring to evoke the soft hues of lilac petals. Drizzle this smooth glaze over the cooled cakes to add a shimmering finish that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. The glaze sets quickly, creating a delicate sweet crust that enhances every bite of your charming Lilac Bundt Cakes.

How to Serve Lilac Bundt Cakes

Garnishes

Enhance your Lilac Bundt Cakes by topping them with a sprinkling of edible lilac petals or a few delicate violet flowers for a truly stunning presentation. Dusting with a little extra icing sugar just before serving can add a fresh snowy look that makes each mini cake feel like a work of art.

Side Dishes

These mini cakes pair beautifully with a lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the floral notes with creamy indulgence. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside fresh berries or a simple fruit salad featuring citrus to brighten and complement the delicate lilac flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful by arranging the Lilac Bundt Cakes on a tiered cake stand surrounded by sprigs of fresh lilac or seasonal flowers for a centerpiece-worthy display. You could also package them individually in pretty boxes or cellophane bags tied with a lavender ribbon — perfect for gifting or special events like bridal showers or afternoon tea parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Lilac Bundt Cakes fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps maintain the soft crumb and keeps the glaze from drying out, so they’re still just as delightful for a second helping or a next-day treat.

Freezing

If you want to make these ahead of time, freeze the cooled cakes before glazing by wrapping each securely in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen, they will hold for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and apply the glaze fresh for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To bring your Lilac Bundt Cakes back to life, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (around 300°F) for a few minutes. Reheating softly revives the buttery texture and enhances the floral aroma, making every bite taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use dried lilac blossoms instead of fresh ones?

Fresh lilac blossoms are preferred for their vibrant flavor and color, but if fresh aren’t available, dried petals can work in a pinch. Just reduce the quantity slightly and make sure they’re culinary-grade to avoid any bitterness or off flavors.

Is there a substitute for lilac if I can’t find it?

Yes! A wonderful alternative is culinary lavender, which shares a similar floral profile. Just use slightly less and consider tasting your sugar infusion to ensure it doesn’t become overpowering, as lavender can be more intense than lilac.

Can I make these Lilac Bundt Cakes gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix that’s designed to replace flour cup-for-cup. Just be sure to check that your blend contains xanthan gum or similar binding agents to maintain the cake’s texture.

How big are these mini bundt cakes?

Each mini bundt is just the right size for an elegant bite or two, roughly 2 to 3 inches in diameter. This makes them ideal for parties or as a dainty dessert when you want a little something special without a huge slice.

Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?

Yes, this recipe scales up beautifully! Just be mindful to bake the cakes in batches unless you have multiple pans. Adjust baking time if you decide to make larger bundt cakes, but generally, the delicate texture is best preserved in these charming mini sizes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Lilac Bundt Cakes that turns a simple dessert into a sensory delight. Their floral fragrance, tender crumb, and pretty presentation make them a perfect treat for any occasion where you want to impress without stress. I can’t wait for you to try them and share these bite-sized blossoms of joy with friends and family. Happy baking and savor every sweet moment!

Lilac Bundt Cakes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 16 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 mini bundt cakes 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delight in these delicate Lilac Mini Bundt Cakes featuring the fragrant floral flavor of fresh lilac blossoms, enhanced with a lemon-soaked milk mixture and finished with a lilac-infused simple syrup and violet-hued glaze. Perfect for a springtime treat or special occasion.

Instructions

Prepare Lilac Sugar: Pick fresh lilac blossoms from the stems, discarding leaves and stems to avoid bitterness. Combine blossoms and sugar in a food processor and pulse until petals are mostly broken down but not fully blended. Set aside.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Sour the Milk: In a measuring cup, combine milk and lemon juice, whisk, and let sit to curdle slightly.
Cream Butter and Lilac Sugar: Using a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat softened butter and lilac sugar until creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping the bowl sides to ensure uniform mixing.
Combine Batter: Alternately add dry flour mixture and soured milk in thirds to the mixer, beginning and ending with flour. Beat gently on low speed until just combined after each addition.
Prepare Bundt Pans: Generously spray mini bundt cake molds with non-stick spray to ensure easy release.
Fill and Bake: Spoon batter evenly into molds, spreading to fill crevices. Tap pans on countertop to release air bubbles. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean and top springs back to touch.
Make Lilac Syrup: While baking, simmer water and sugar in a small saucepan until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat, add lilac blossoms, cover, and steep until cakes are done. Strain blossoms and reserve syrup, setting aside 2 tablespoons for the glaze.
Mix Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together icing sugar, reserved lilac syrup, and milk until smooth. Add violet food colouring to desired shade. Adjust consistency with milk or icing sugar until pourable but not runny.
Brush Cakes and Cool: Right after baking, place cakes on wire rack and brush tops (which will be the bottoms once removed) with lilac syrup. Let cool up to 5 minutes, then invert cakes onto parchment paper.
Finish: Brush tops with more syrup and allow cakes to cool completely. Drizzle with lilac glaze and let set before serving. Enjoy the aromatic and elegant treat!

Notes

Fresh lilac blossoms must be edible variety and pesticide-free; alternatively, use culinary lavender for a similar floral note.
Ensure to remove all stems and leaves from blossoms as they can impart bitterness.
The lemon juice in milk acts as a buttermilk substitute, tenderizing the cake crumb.
Non-stick spray with flour is recommended for bundt molds to ensure cakes release cleanly.
Adjust glaze thickness to preference for drizzle or thicker coating.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American