Edible flowers can elevate your desserts and celebration cakes and add a layer of elegance and chicness to them. Seasonal edible flowers are ideal if you’re planning a wedding cake or a statement dessert that marks a certain milestone. Remember certain edible flowers are used just for garnishes, while others can multi-task in infusions and other techniques.
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Roses, for instance, are used for both flavour and decoration. They give off delicate floral notes with a slightly sweet taste and their petals are often crystallised for cake decorations and used to flavour syrups, jams, or jellies. Lavender adds a distinct floral aroma and has a slightly herbaceous and sweet undertone and can be used to flavour ice cream, shortbread cookies, or macarons. Dried lavender buds can also be steeped in tea-based desserts. Here are some creative ways to use edible flowers in your desserts.
Floral Infusions
Infusing floral flavours into your desserts can create some great sensory experiences. Make floral syrups by simmering edible flowers like lavender, rose petals, or violets with sugar and water. Strain the syrup and drizzle it over cakes, pancakes, or ice cream for a subtle floral sweetness. You can also infuse cream or milk with edible flowers to create floral-flavoured custards, puddings, or ice creams.
Flower-Infused Jellies and Jams
Enhance your homemade jellies, jams, and preserves with the delicate flavours and vibrant colours of edible flowers. Add petals or whole flowers of roses, elderflowers, or chamomile to your fruit mixtures before cooking. The flowers will infuse their essence into the preserves, creating visually stunning spreads that are perfect for spreading on toast, scones, or pairing with cheese plates.
Floral Garnishes
You can also elevate the presentation of your desserts with edible flower garnishes. Choose flowers with contrasting colours and shapes to complement your dish. Place a single flower or a small cluster on top of cakes, cupcakes, tarts, or fruit salads for an eye-catching finishing touch. Edible flowers like pansies, nasturtiums, or calendula not only add visual appeal but also provide a delicate floral aroma.
Flower Petal Crystallization
Transform edible flowers into edible works of art with crystallized flower petals. Brush flower petals with egg whites or a light sugar syrup, then sprinkle them with superfine sugar. Allow the petals to dry completely on a wire rack before using them as decorations for cakes, cookies, or chocolates. Crystallized flower petals add a touch of elegance and crunch to your desserts, making them perfect for special occasions.
Floral-Infused Whipped Cream
Take your whipped cream to the next level by infusing it with floral flavours. Whip chilled heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar until soft peaks form, then fold in a few drops of floral extract or a tablespoon of floral-infused syrup. Edible flowers like rose, violet, or elderflower can lend their delicate flavours to the whipped cream. Use it to top pies, pavlovas, or hot cocoa for a luxurious floral treat.
Flower-Pressed Chocolate Decorations
Create stunning chocolate decorations using pressed edible flowers. Press fresh flowers between the pages of a heavy book for a few days until they are dry and flat. Melt tempered chocolate and spread it thinly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Arrange the pressed flowers on top of the chocolate and let it set completely. Once hardened, carefully peel off the parchment and break the chocolate into shards or cut it into shapes to adorn cakes, desserts, or petit fours.