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Sliced lemon lavender crepe cake on a white cake stand, garnished with berries, lemon slices, and fresh lavender sprigs.

Lemon Lavender Crepe Cake

Layers of delicate, thin crepes are filled with tangy homemade lemon curd and a subtly fragrant lavender-infused whipped cream, creating an elegant and refreshingly delightful dessert perfect for any special occasion.
Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: European, French
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Crepes
  • 1 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp Granulated sugar
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 3 Large eggs room temperature
  • 2 cups Whole milk room temperature
  • 4 tbsp Melted unsalted butter cooled
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest from 1 lemon
For the Lemon Curd
  • 4 Large egg yolks
  • 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup Lemon juice freshly squeezed (about 2-3 lemons)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon zest from 2 lemons
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter cold, cut into small pieces
For the Lavender Whipped Cream
  • 2 cups Heavy cream very cold
  • 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Dried culinary lavender finely crushed
  • 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
For Assembly & Garnish
  • 1/2 lemon Fresh lemon slices thinly sliced
  • 2-3 Fresh lavender sprigs (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Non-stick crepe pan (8-inch or 9-inch)
  • Spatula
  • Small saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cake stand or serving plate

Method
 

Prepare the Crepe Batter
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, and salt.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, then add the milk, cooled melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly until smooth and lump-free. Do not overmix.
  4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 1 hour, to allow the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax. This makes for more tender crepes.
Make the Lemon Curd
  1. While the crepe batter chills, prepare the lemon curd. In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Ensure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water.
  2. Whisk constantly for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F / 77°C).
  3. Remove the bowl from heat and immediately whisk in the cold butter, one piece at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
  4. Strain the lemon curd through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl to remove any zest or cooked egg bits, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
  5. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the curd to prevent a skin from forming as it cools. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled and thickened.
Cook the Crepes
  1. Heat an 8 or 9-inch non-stick crepe pan or skillet over medium-low heat. Lightly butter the pan for the first crepe.
  2. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the center of the hot pan, immediately tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly to the edges.
  3. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the top is set.
  4. Carefully flip the crepe with a thin spatula and cook for another 30-60 seconds on the second side, until lightly browned.
  5. Transfer the cooked crepe to a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, stacking the crepes as you go. You should yield about 18-20 crepes. If the batter thickens, whisk in a tablespoon or two of milk.
  6. Allow crepes to cool completely before assembly.
Prepare the Lavender Whipped Cream
  1. In a very cold large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, finely crushed dried culinary lavender, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, or it will turn grainy.
  2. Taste and adjust lavender if desired, keeping in mind its strong flavor.
Assemble the Crepe Cake
  1. Place one crepe on your desired serving plate or cake stand.
  2. Spread a thin, even layer of lemon curd (about 1-2 tablespoons) over the crepe, almost to the edges.
  3. Top with another crepe.
  4. Spread a thin, even layer of lavender whipped cream (about 2-3 tablespoons) over this crepe.
  5. Continue layering crepes, alternating between lemon curd and lavender whipped cream, until you run out of crepes or reach your desired height. The top layer should be either whipped cream or left plain for garnish.
  6. For a neat finish, ensure each layer is evenly spread and stack crepes directly on top of each other.
Chill and Garnish
  1. Once assembled, cover the crepe cake loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set. This also makes slicing easier.
  2. Before serving, garnish the top with fresh lemon slices, a few fresh lavender sprigs (if using), and a light dusting of powdered sugar (optional).

Notes

Make Ahead: Both the crepe batter and lemon curd can be made 1-2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Cooked crepes can also be stored, well-wrapped, in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 1 month.
Lavender Intensity: Start with 1/2 tsp of crushed lavender for the whipped cream and add more if you prefer a stronger floral note. Lavender can be potent, so adjust to your taste.
Storage: Leftover crepe cake can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.