Adding real flowers to your cake elevates it from delicious to breathtaking. But before you start decorating, it's crucial to understand how to do it safely and beautifully. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your floral masterpiece is both stunning and safe to eat.
Choosing the Right Flowers
Not all flowers are created equal, especially when it comes to consumption. Only use flowers that are specifically grown for eating, and never use flowers from a florist or garden that have been treated with pesticides or herbicides. These can be extremely harmful.
Here are some popular edible flower choices:
- Pansies: These cheerful blooms come in a wide array of colors and add a delightful pop to cakes.
- Violets: Delicate and fragrant, violets offer a subtle sweetness.
- Roses: Petals from certain rose varieties (check for edibility!) offer a romantic touch and lovely fragrance. Avoid using the white part of the rose.
- Lavender: Culinary lavender adds a beautiful purple hue and a calming aroma. Use sparingly, as its flavor is quite strong.
- Nasturtiums: Both the petals and leaves are edible, offering a peppery kick.
Important Note: Always double-check that the specific flower variety you're using is safe for consumption. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and don't use it.
Preparing Your Flowers
Before adorning your cake, you need to prepare your flowers:
1. Cleaning:
Gently rinse the flowers under cool, running water to remove any dirt or insects. Pat them dry with a clean paper towel.
2. Removing Excess Water:
Excess water can cause your frosting to soften or your flowers to wilt. Make sure your flowers are completely dry before placing them on the cake.
3. Removing the Pistils and Stamens (Optional):
Depending on the flower and your preference, you may want to remove the pistils and stamens (the central reproductive parts). This is especially important for flowers with prominent, bitter-tasting stamens, like some varieties of roses.
Placing Flowers on Your Cake
Now comes the fun part! Here are some tips for placing your flowers beautifully:
1. Choose Your Placement Strategy:
Consider the overall design of your cake. Do you want a single, central flower? A floral garland? A scattered arrangement? Planning ahead will ensure a cohesive and visually appealing look.
2. Use Food-Safe Tools:
Use tweezers or a small, clean pair of scissors to carefully arrange the flowers. Avoid touching the petals directly with your fingers, as this can leave fingerprints.
3. Start with the Larger Flowers:
Begin by placing the largest or most prominent flowers first, using them as anchors for the rest of the arrangement.
4. Add Smaller Flowers and Greenery:
Once your larger flowers are in place, fill in the gaps with smaller flowers and edible greenery to create a fuller, more natural look.
5. Gently Press Flowers into Frosting:
Lightly press the flowers into the frosting to secure them. Be careful not to press too hard, as this can damage the delicate petals.
Storing Your Cake with Real Flowers
Cakes decorated with real flowers are best enjoyed immediately. If you need to store your cake, keep it refrigerated and covered loosely. However, be aware that the flowers will likely wilt over time.
Making it Last
For a longer-lasting, more visually appealing option, consider using sugar flowers or other edible decorations.
By following these simple steps, you can confidently add real flowers to your cakes, creating a truly stunning and memorable dessert. Remember, safety and planning are key to success! Enjoy the process and the compliments!
