Elegant Floral Cake is a beautifully styled dessert that combines delicate flavors with a refined presentation. With light, fluffy cake layers infused with floral notes and topped with whipped cream and decorative garnishes, this cake is a showstopper for any sophisticated gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cake brings together subtle floral essences like rose, lavender, or elderflower with creamy textures and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, birthdays, or spring celebrations. The cake’s refined look and flavor profile set it apart from typical confections.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the cake layers:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter (room temperature)
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Whole milk or buttermilk
- Vanilla extract
- Rose water, lavender extract, or elderflower syrup (choose one)
For the frosting:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Floral essence (optional)
For garnish:
- Edible dried flowers or flower petals
- Crushed biscuits or nuts
- Whipped cream swirls
- Optional: gold leaf or sugared fruit for decoration
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
- Stir in vanilla and chosen floral essence.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide batter between pans and bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cakes completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, whip cream with powdered sugar, vanilla, and optional floral essence until stiff peaks form.
- Layer and frost the cake. Decorate with whipped cream, edible flowers, and crumbled biscuits or nuts.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 10–12
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Cooling & Decorating Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Variations
- Use lemon zest or almond extract to enhance the floral flavor.
- Create a naked cake by applying a thin layer of frosting.
- Incorporate jam or lemon curd between layers.
- Make it gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Not applicable. Allow to come to room temperature before serving if chilled.
FAQs
What type of floral flavoring should I use?
Rose water, lavender extract, and elderflower syrup are great options. Use sparingly for a subtle taste.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes, bake the cake layers in advance and store them covered. Assemble the day you serve.
Can I freeze the cake?
Yes, freeze unfrosted layers wrapped tightly. Thaw before decorating.
What type of cream works best for frosting?
Heavy whipping cream gives the best volume and texture for a light whipped topping.
Can I add food coloring?
Yes, natural or gel food coloring can be added for a pastel tint to match a theme.
Is this cake very sweet?
No, it’s delicately sweet to allow the floral notes to shine.
Are edible flowers safe to eat?
Yes, as long as they are organic and labeled safe for consumption.
Can I make this as cupcakes?
Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for about 18–22 minutes.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting can be used if a richer topping is desired.
Will the floral flavor be overpowering?
Not if used in moderation—start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Conclusion
Elegant Floral Cake is the perfect dessert when you want something delicate, beautiful, and flavorful. Its floral notes and light whipped cream make it ideal for refined celebrations and special moments, offering a taste of elegance in every slice.
Print
Elegant Floral Cake
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Modern European
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant Floral Cake is a beautifully styled dessert that combines delicate floral flavors with a refined presentation, perfect for sophisticated gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1 3/4 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tsp rose water, lavender extract, or elderflower syrup (choose one)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp floral essence (optional for frosting)
- Edible dried flowers or flower petals (for garnish)
- Crushed biscuits or nuts (for garnish)
- Whipped cream swirls (for garnish)
- Optional: gold leaf or sugared fruit for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract and your chosen floral essence.
- Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.
- For the frosting, whip the cream with powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and optional floral essence until stiff peaks form.
- Layer and frost the cake with the whipped cream mixture.
- Decorate with edible flowers, crushed biscuits or nuts, whipped cream swirls, and optional gold leaf or sugared fruit.
Notes
- Use lemon zest or almond extract to enhance floral flavor.
- Create a naked cake with minimal frosting for a rustic look.
- Jam or lemon curd can be added between layers for extra flavor.
- Can be made gluten-free using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Let cake come to room temperature before serving if refrigerated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *