Lavender Sugar from Fresh or Dried Lavender

This simple lavender sugar is a flavored sugar with a floral hint of lavender, perfect for baked goods, lavender simple syrups, or beverages.

It’s easy to make and a lovely way to surprise your family or friends with lavender. Lavender stands out with its beautiful purple color, delightful fragrance, and distinct flavor. Think lavender strawberry jam, syrup, extract, biscuits, or cake, there are so many creative options.

This time, I’d like to share the easiest way to use lavender in your kitchen. This flavored lavender infused sugar is versatile, with endless possibilities for use, and it only requires two ingredients. It’s a great way to preserve the flavor of lavender all year long. Plus, when packed in beautiful jars, it makes a wonderful herbal gift.

What is Lavender Sugar

Lavender sugar is a flavored sugar infused with the floral, aromatic essence. It’s made by blending culinary lavender buds, either fresh or dried, with white granulated sugar.  It has a sweet lavender flavor that shines in baked goods, desserts, beverages, and more. 

Fresh or Dried Lavender?

You can use fresh lavender from your garden or buy lavender from trustworthy sources. Just check that it’s still fresh and not expired.

For the best flavor, pick the lavender flowers as soon as they start to bloom. Most culinary lavender works well, but for a milder taste, choose English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). If you prefer a more aromatic lavender flavor, try Lavender Lemon (Lavandula x intermedia).

Dried lavender is the safer, more stable option, especially for gifting or long-term storage.

Fresh buds, on the other hand, can cause the sugar to clump or spoil over time. It is suitable for short-term use, small batches, or if you prefer a more fragrant option. 

How to Make Homemade Lavender Sugar

There are two simple ways to make it at home, depending on how strong you want the flavor and how you plan to use it.

Infusion Method

This method involves adding whole buds to a jar of sugar and letting it sit for a week or more. Over time, the lavender naturally infuses the sweetener with its floral aroma and flavor.

This is easy to make, looks pretty in a jar thus perfect for gifting. However, it takes time to infuse and the flavor is usually mild.

Blending Method

In this method, you combine the two ingredients in a food processor and blend until fine. This creates a stronger, evenly distributed flavor because the buds are broken up and mixed throughout the sugar.

This method is ideal if you want immediate results and a bolder taste. However, the small bits of lavender may not look as elegant.

How to Use Lavender Flavored Sugar

This homemade lavender sugar is a natural flavoring option that elevates plain sweetener into something unique and special. Whether you’re stirring it into coffee or tea, lemonade, or using it to rim cocktail glasses, it is a lovely way to add subtle lavender flavor to your favorite desserts and beverages.

Just like vanilla sugar, I use it when making cupcakes, bake sugar cookies or scones.

Lavender sugar can be used to make a simple lavender syrup.  Dissolve a tablespoon into warm water, and you have a perfect sweetener for cold beverages like iced tea or lemonade.

Make Lavender Sugar as a gift.

Because this recipe only requires two ingredients and no cooking, making it as an edible gift is a brilliant idea. It is a thoughtful DIY treat that even kids can make. All you need is a nice jar and a label to make it feel special.

Storing

If you used dried lavender, store the lavender sugar in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It will keep well for several months, 

If you used fresh lavender, it’s best to let the sugar sit uncovered for a day or two to allow any moisture to evaporate before sealing the jar. Once it feels dry,  store it in an airtight container. However, lavender sugar made with fresh lavender is best used within a few weeks.