Name: Elderflower Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cake flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup elderflower syrup; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature); 3 large eggs; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups powdered sugar (for frosting)

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There’s something about an Elderflower Cake that brings a whiff of summer sunshine into the kitchen, even on the dreariest of days. Picture this: light, fluffy layers kissed with the floral notes of elderflower syrup, all topped off with a velvety frosting that makes your taste buds sing. light and airy desserts This cake doesn’t just look pretty; it tastes like a delightful stroll through a blooming garden.

I still remember the first time I baked an Elderflower Cake. It was for my best friend’s birthday, and let’s just say, there were more giggles than flour in the air. The sweet aroma wafting from my oven was enough to make anyone wonder if I had finally found my place in the baking world. spiced cookie options Spoiler alert: I hadn’t! But this cake certainly won their hearts and stomachs, and now it holds a special spot in our celebrations.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Elderflower Cake is easy to whip up, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros
The flavor profile is a delightful blend of floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with any occasion
Its soft, airy texture elevates any dessert table, impressing friends and family alike
You can serve it as a fancy dessert or enjoy it casually with afternoon tea

Let me share a moment that made my heart swell: when I presented this Elderflower Cake at my best friend’s surprise party, her eyes lit up! Everyone gathered around, eager to taste this beautiful creation. The laughter and joy we shared made the effort worthwhile. For more inspiration, check out this raspberry bliss cheesecake bites recipe.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Cake Flour: I prefer using cake flour for its low protein content, resulting in tender crumbs that melt in your mouth.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness while helping create that perfectly fluffy texture every cake deserves.
Elderflower Syrup: This magical ingredient gives the cake its signature floral flavor—look for high-quality syrup for best results.
Butter: Use unsalted butter at room temperature—it creates that rich base and helps achieve the ideal creamy frosting.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are best! They add moisture and structure to our fluffy masterpiece.
Baking Powder: A must for that delightful rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
Milk: Whole milk enhances flavor and moisture; plus, it helps combine everything seamlessly.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract rounds out the flavors beautifully—don’t skimp on this!
Powdered Sugar: For frosting perfection—this ingredient ensures your frosting is smooth and sweet without being overpowering.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans with butter or nonstick spray. Trust me—nobody wants to deal with a sticky situation when it’s time to release those cakes!

Create the Cake Batter: In a mixing bowl, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy—about 3 minutes should do it. soft and buttery brioche Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Incorporate elderflower syrup and vanilla extract; your kitchen should start smelling like heaven.

Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into your wet ingredients while alternating with milk; mix until just combined! Avoid overmixing—remember we want fluffy cakes, not dense bricks.

Bake Those Cakes!: Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula before sliding them into your preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean from the center.

Cool Down Before Frosting: Once baked to perfection, allow your cakes to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them onto wire racks to cool completely. Patience is key here; we don’t want melted frosting!

Get Frosty!: While your cakes are cooling down, prepare your elderflower frosting by creaming softened butter until smooth. Gradually mix in powdered sugar and enough elderflower syrup until you reach your desired consistency. Frost between layers generously but save some for the outer layer too!

Now you have step-by-step guidance on creating this fabulous Elderflower Cake! The next time you find yourself craving something light yet indulgent or ready to impress at your next gathering, reach for this recipe—it’ll be an absolute hit!

You Must Know

Elderflower cake is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings floral notes and sweetness together
The aroma is intoxicating, making your kitchen smell like a garden party
Perfect for celebrations or simply enjoying with tea, this cake is versatile and delightful

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve the best elderflower cake, start by creaming butter and sugar until fluffy before adding eggs one at a time. Mix in dry ingredients gradually, ensuring a smooth batter. Bake at 350°F for around 25-30 minutes.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to personalize your elderflower cake! You can swap regular flour for almond flour for a nutty flavor or add lemon zest to enhance the floral notes. Fresh berries on top also brighten up the presentation.

Storing & Reheating

Store your elderflower cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To enjoy later, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to a month.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For perfect texture, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing
Avoid over-mixing once the flour is added; this keeps your cake light and airy
A pinch of salt enhances sweetness without overpowering the floral flavors

While baking my first elderflower cake, I accidentally used too much elderflower cordial, turning it into a syrupy delight! Friends loved it anyway, and it became our running joke every time we baked together.

FAQs

FAQ

What can I substitute for elderflower cordial?

If you cannot find elderflower cordial, you can use homemade syrup made from boiling sugar with fresh elderflowers or experiment with other floral syrups like lavender for a unique twist.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum to maintain structure. The taste will still be deliciously fragrant and sweet!

How can I enhance the frosting flavor?

To elevate the frosting, consider adding cream cheese alongside butter for tanginess or infuse it with lemon juice for brightness. delicious frosting options Both options complement the elderflower beautifully! For more inspiration, check out this lemon cream cheese delight recipe.