One of the things that I love to do during summer and when I have spare time, is work in my flower garden. There’s something therapeutic about gardening for me, and I love the reward of the beautiful blooms as the seasons transition. Currently I’m obsessing over the 3 varieties of lavender I have growing. The gorgeous purple flowers and aroma they give off remind me of the warmth of summer days. And I enjoy trimming a few sprigs as I choose for summer cocktails, treats and garnishes. Such a versatile bloom with so many uses.

The obsession that I have with lavender has extended beyond the plant itself, making it’s way into some of my favorite store-bought items and restaurant orders too. There’s a cute little lounge bar in my hometown called The Real McCoy that I frequent with my girlfriends. One of our favorite items on their menu (aside from the drinks) is their Lavender Marcona Almonds. There’s just something about the crunch of the salt with the combination of the lavender pods that make them insanely addictive and a must try.

Another product that I discovered several months back and fell in love with was Lavender DRY Soda. If you have been visiting me here for a while, you may already be aware of how much I love DRY products as I explained in my Valentine’s Floats here. All their sodas are all natural, lightly sweetened and have fewer calories. Yes and yes! If you haven’t tasted DRY soda yet, I highly recommend it! The lavender is one of my favorites flavors. It’s subtle and not too overpowering, making it perfect for sipping on a warm afternoon, using as a cocktail mixer or drinking anytime really.

To pay homage to my favorite summer bloom, I’ve made a sweet treat, perfect for summer parties. I chose the mini cupcake because they’re bite size, adorable and everyone loves them! I used the same recipe for my mini champagne cupcakes to make them, but this time instead of using champagne I added a posh twist by incorporating Lavender DRY soda and fresh lime zest. They turned out incredibly moist and delicious with subtle floral notes, and a light sweetness.

If you love lavender, you will truly enjoy this cupcake!

sweet. floral. decadent.

Mini Lavender Cupcakes (DF)

The addition of the soda keeps the cupcake moist, while also adding subtle flavor. The cupcakes were made using coconut oil in place of butter to make them dairy free.

Ingredients/Supplies

24 mini cupcake liners

Mini cupcake pan

Paper straws and fresh lavender sprigs for garnish.

3/4 Cup All purpose flour
3/4 teaspoons baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup coconut spread or vegan butter
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 and a half egg whites
1/2 cup Lavender DRY Soda
Lime zest from 1/2 a lime (optional)

(this recipe makes just enough for 24 mini cupcakes, simply double the ingredients for full size cupcakes.)

Instructions
Preheat oven to 350
Place liners in your mini muffin tin pan.
Mix together flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl and set aside.
Beat vegan butter and sugar in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
Add vanilla and beat in egg white.
Beat in dry mixture and DRY soda in thirds alternating each time (start and finish with dry mixture).

Teaspoon batter 2/3 of the way into liners and bake for roughly 10 minutes until a toothpick comes put clean.

Garnish as you wish.

Source: Cupcake recipe adapted from 20 Something Cupcakes

For the Icing

Lavender Infused Buttercream (V)

I infused some dried lavender pods and lime zest into a stick of dairy free butter for the vegan buttercream icing. This recipe is a must try and a Posh Little Designs original.

2 sticks vegan butter (1 cup)

1.5 tablespoons dried lavender pods

1 3/4 cups powdered sugar

Lime zest (for extra flavor)

Instructions

Heat  butter and lavender pods in a sauce pan on medium low.

Allow the butter to fully melt and simmer with the lavender pods for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavor.

Remove from heat and pour butter through a fine mesh strainer to remove all excess pods.

Allow the butter to firm up for an hour or two on the counter,  be sure not to place it in the fridge as you want it in a softened state for the icing.

Once butter has firmed, place in the bowl of a stand mixer, with powdered sugar and lime zest.

Mix the ingredients together for a few minutes using the paddle attachment. Spoon lavender buttercream into piping bag, and pipe onto your cupcakes.

Wouldn’t these  be adorable for summertime parties. Think bridal showers or baby showers. You and your guests are sure to love them. For the full experience, make sure to wash them down with a bottle of Lavender DRY Soda.

Now switching gears back to party mode. I’ll have more to share with you and the strawberry shortcake celebration very soon.

Thanks for reading!

xo