Top 7 Edible Flowers for Cakes & Desserts!

Edible Flowers on cakes? Oh, absolutely! Adding edible flowers to your cakes and desserts creates a visual wow (and there's plenty of that)! They offer a burst of vibrant color, a surprising hint of flavor, and an undeniable touch of elegance.

Whether you’re sprinkling delicate petals on a frosted cake, adorning cupcakes with nature’s finest, or elevating a panna cotta to art-status, edible flowers bring the magic. And the best part? These flowers look and taste pretty great, too! With flavors ranging from citrusy zing to subtle minty notes, they bring both beauty and flavor to the table.

Ready to give your desserts a floral flourish? Let’s explore the Top 7 Edible Flowers that’ll transform your cakes, cookies, and treats into true showstoppers!

What to Know About Putting Edible Flowers on Cakes and Desserts

Before you start using edible flowers cake decorations, there are a few things you should know.  

1. Choose Edible Flowers Carefully

Always use flowers specifically labeled as edible, and avoid any treated with pesticides or chemicals that could make them harmful.. 

At WeQook, you can trust that all our edible flowers are grown at our greenhouse with food safety in mind. They’re fresh, clean, and safe to use in your culinary creations.

2. Source them safely

Purchase from trusted suppliers, like WeQook. We are the reliable online farmstand, offering a wide variety of edible flowers grown at our greenhouse with the utmost care. 

3. Flavor matters

Edible flowers can have a range of flavors, from sweet and floral to minty and citrusy. Choose blooms that complement your dessert and elevate your edible flower cake recipe.

4. Prep with care

Prepping is key, especially for flowers for cake decorating. At WeQook, our edible flowers come fresh and ready to use directly from the clamshell. However, for added peace of mind, you can give them a gentle rinse before use. 

To achieve the best presentation, consider plucking individual petals to create precise and stunning designs for your cakes and desserts.

5. Timing is everything

Add flowers before serving to keep them fresh, vibrant, and picture-perfect for those edible flowers cake decorations.

6. Less is more

While flowers are beautiful, a few carefully placed blooms can go a long way in creating an elegant design. Use them as edible flowers for garnish to complete the look.

 

Top 7 Edible Flowers for Desserts and Cakes

Transform your desserts into edible masterpieces with the magic of flowers! The right edible blooms add stunning visual appeal and elevate desserts with surprising flavors. Here’s our Top 7 Edible Flowers for for cakes & desserts!

 

1. Marigold Flowers

Bright and cheerful, Marigold Flowers add a splash of sunshine to any dessert. Their unique tangy flavor makes them a versatile choice for both sweet and savory treats.

Flavor

Marigold flowers have a tangy, citrusy flavor with hints of mint and tarragon, adding depth to your cakes and desserts.

Usage Tips

• Use marigold petals to decorate cakes or infuse syrups for a citrusy twist.
• Pair them with fruit-based desserts for an extra burst of flavor.

 

2. Nasturtium Flowers

Nasturtium flowers are as bold in flavor as they are in color. These vibrant blooms bring a peppery, sweet punch to your desserts.

Flavor

With a peppery, spicy, & sweet taste, nasturtium flowers add a surprising contrast to sweet confections.

Usage Tips

• Scatter nasturtium petals over frosted cakes or blend them into creamy desserts for a hint of spice.
• Perfect for balancing overly sweet flavors in desserts.

 

3. Viola Cornabria Flower Mix

Delicate and elegant, Viola Cornabria Flower Mix are a baker’s favorite, boasting bright yellow, orange, purple, and white blossoms with a subtle flavor and stunning appearance.

Flavor

These blossoms offer a buttery petals with subtle spearmint undertones, making them a perfect match for light, airy desserts.

Usage Tips

• Top cupcakes, cookies, or cheesecakes with viola cornabria blossoms for a touch of sophistication.
• Use them to create pressed flower decorations on cakes.

 

4. Pansy Flowers

Pansy Flowers are vibrant and versatile, making them a popular choice for decorating desserts. Their buttery petals with a hint of spearmint add a unique twist to sweet creations.

Flavor

Pansy flowers feature a mild taste complemented by a subtle touch of spearmint.

Usage Tips

• Use pansy flowers to adorn layer cakes.
• They also work well on pavlovas and trifles.

 

5. Incan Begonias

Incan Begonias bring an exotic touch to desserts with their bold, bright red-orange petals and vibrant flavor.

Flavor

Tangy and mouthwatering, with bold notes of green apple, sour grape, juicy raspberry, and a hint of currant zing.

Usage Tips

• Add incan begonias to fruit salads or use them as a vibrant garnish on cakes and tarts.
• Ideal for enhancing citrus-based desserts.

6. Dulce Buttons

Small but flavorful, Dulce Buttons pack a punch of natural sweetness that’s 500 times sweeter than sugar! Thanks to hernandulcin, these blossoms are a guilt-free way to sweeten your baked goods without the calories.

Flavor

Dulce buttons are intensely sweet with subtle hints of mint, thyme, and rosemary.

Usage Tips

• Ideal for adding a natural, calorie-free sweetness to cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
• Use as a garnish for tarts, mousses, or panna cotta for a touch of elegance.
• Mix into frostings or whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.

 

7. Apple Blossom

Apple blossoms are a delicate and fragrant addition to desserts, bringing a Granny Smith Apple-like flavor with a crisp, tart bite to your creations.

Flavor

Crisp and tart, with a Granny Smith apple-like zing, complemented by a delicate floral sweetness.

Usage Tips

• Use apple blossoms to decorate rustic pies, tea cakes, or creamy panna cottas.
• Pair them with apple or cinnamon-based desserts for a cohesive flavor profile.

 

Dessert Recipes Featuring Edible Flowers

Edible flowers are the star ingredient in your dessert recipes! Here are some chef approved Edible Flowers Dessert Recipes you can try at your kitchen!

 

1. Lemon Bars with Marigold Flowers

For these lemon bars, start by making the crust. Cream together 1 cup of softened butter with 1/2 cup granulated sugar, then mix in 2 cups of flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden. 

For the filling, whisk together 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup flour, 4 eggs, 2/3 cup fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of Marigold petals, pour over the cooled crust, and bake for another 20-25 minutes until the filling is set. Let the bars cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar and top with additional Marigold petals for a decorative touch.

 

2. Spiced Pumpkin Cupcakes with Nasturtium Flower

To make these spiced pumpkin cupcakes, whisk together 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. In a separate bowl, beat together 1/2 cup butter, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1/4 cup granulated sugar until fluffy. 

Beat in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 cup pumpkin puree. Add the dry ingredients alternately with 1/4 cup milk until combined. Divide the batter into a muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes. Let the cupcakes cool, then frost with a mixture of 1/2 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, and milk to reach a spreadable consistency. Garnish with fresh Nasturtium flowers on top.

 

3. Rice Pudding with Cornabria Blossoms and Strawberries

To make this creamy rice pudding, cook 1 cup of rice with a pinch of salt in 2 cups of water, then add 4 cups of milk, 1/2 cup sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon (optional) over medium heat. Stir frequently until the pudding thickens and becomes creamy, about 20-25 minutes. 

Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Serve the pudding in bowls, garnished with fresh strawberries and a sprinkle of Cornabria blossoms for a colorful and floral touch.

 

4. Easy Chocolate Mousse with Pansy Flower

Start by melting 1 cup of semisweet chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave. Let it cool slightly. In a bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, then fold in the melted chocolate. 

In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites with 3 tablespoons sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, then whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form and fold it into the mixture as well. Spoon the mousse into serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Before serving, garnish with fresh Pansy flowers on top.

 

5. Fresh Fruit Salad with Incan Begonias

For this refreshing fruit salad, combine 1 cup of pineapple chunks, 1 cup of hulled strawberries, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of sliced kiwi, and 1 cup of halved green grapes in a bowl. 

In a small bowl, whisk together the juice of 1 lime and 1 tablespoon honey, then toss it with the fruit. Before serving, sprinkle fresh Incan Begonia flowers on top for a beautiful and citrusy floral garnish.

 

6. Easy Baked Meringues with Dulce Button Flowers

To make the meringues, preheat your oven to 225°F (110°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Beat 4 egg whites with 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar until soft peaks form, then gradually add 1 cup of granulated sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. 

Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Spoon the meringue onto the prepared sheet, shaping it into small mounds, and press a Dulce Button flower into the top of each one. Bake for 1.5 hours until dry to the touch, then cool in the oven with the heat off. Serve the meringues with a delicate floral finish from the Dulce Button flowers.

 

7. Homemade Cherry Jello with Apple Blossoms

For this easy homemade cherry jello, start by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin over 1/4 cup of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to bloom. Meanwhile, heat 2 cups of cherry juice and 2 tablespoons sugar in a saucepan until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and stir in the gelatin mixture until fully dissolved.

Add the juice of 1 lemon for extra flavor. Pour the mixture into molds and refrigerate until set, about 2-3 hours. Before serving, garnish with fresh Apple Blossoms for a fragrant and visually striking presentation.

 

Where to Buy Edible Flowers for Desserts Online in the USA

If you're looking to elevate your desserts with vibrant, flavorful edible flowers, here are two excellent options in the USA.

WeQook - Online Order for Foodies 

• Unmatched Freshness

WeQook specializes in fresh, high-quality edible flowers that will make your desserts truly stand out. Our blooms are harvested at their peak freshness, bringing vibrant color and a unique flavor to your sweet treats.  From cupcakes to tarts, WeQook’s flowers will add that extra special touch. Whether you're a foodie, home cook, or private chef, get ready for a hassle-free online order at WeQook.

• Hassle-Free Delivery

With next-day overnight shipping, your flowers will arrive fresh and ready to decorate your desserts. You’ll be able to enhance your culinary creations without any delays. You can also choose to pick up your order directly from their greenhouse for added convenience.

Flavour Fields

• Wholesale Options for Dessert Professionals

Flavour Fields is perfect for those looking to buy edible flowers in bulk, especially if you’re a professional baker or dessert chef. Their collection includes a variety of vibrant flowers, ideal for adorning cakes, cookies, and other sweet treats with color and flavor.

• Custom Orders for Unique Desserts

Whether you’re designing a seasonal dessert menu or adding a beautiful touch to everyday confections, Flavour Fields provides the highest quality edible flowers to make your desserts truly remarkable.

With WeQook and Flavour Fields, your desserts will be taken to the next level, bursting with both flavor and visual appeal.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Using Edible Flowers in Desserts

Edible flowers are a delightful way to elevate your desserts, adding a burst of color and unique flavors. Here are some frequently asked questions to guide you in using edible flowers in your desserts:

1. Which edible flowers are best for cakes and desserts?

The best edible flowers for cakes and desserts include Pansy Flowers, Marigolds, Incan Begonias, and Nasturtium Flowers. These flowers are beautiful and offer subtle flavors that complement sweet dishes. At WeQook, all our edible flowers are grown with care to ensure premium quality, vibrant colors, and exceptional taste.

2. Are all flowers safe to eat on cakes?

Certain flowers are unsafe to eat due to their toxicity and should be avoided. Always choose flowers specifically grown for culinary purposes. Order directly from the trusted online farmstand WeQook to ensure both safety and flavor in every bite.

3. How do you prepare edible flowers for cakes?

At WeQook, all our edible flowers are conveniently packed in clamshells to ensure they stay fresh and ready to use, making your decorating process even easier. You can pluck individual petals or use whole flowers to decorate the desserts. You can also freeze flowers in ice cubes or crystallize them with egg whites and sugar for a decorative effect.

4. Can I bake with edible flowers?

Yes, you can bake with edible flowers! Some flowers, like viola cornabria blossoms and pansies, infuse lovely aromas into baked goods like cakes, cookies, and scones. However, it’s best to incorporate them into the batter or dough before baking, as delicate flowers may lose their shape and color in the oven.

5. What flavors do edible flowers add to desserts?

Edible flowers can add a range of flavors to desserts. For example, Apple Blossoms has perfect granny smith apple like flavor, Marigold Flowers offer a citrusy tang, and Dulce Buttons adds perfect sweetness to the desserts. Nasturtium Flowers have a peppery kick, while pansies add a subtle, minty note. Each flower brings its own unique flavor to your desserts.

6. Can edible flowers be frozen?

Yes, edible flowers can be frozen! Freezing is a great way to preserve their beauty and flavor. You can freeze flowers in ice cubes or use them to garnish frozen desserts. However, delicate flowers may lose some of their texture when frozen, so it's best to use them soon after thawing for the best appearance.

7. How long do edible flowers last on cakes?

Edible flowers typically last longer on cakes when stored properly. To keep them fresh, place the flowers on top right before serving. If you need to store the cake for a longer period, refrigerating it will help preserve the flowers' freshness.

 

Conclusion

Using edible flowers in your desserts is a creative and delicious way to elevate your baking game. From adding a burst of color to infusing unique flavors, these beautiful blooms can transform ordinary treats into something extraordinary. 

Whether you're decorating cakes, cookies, or frozen desserts, it's important to choose safe, edible flowers and prepare them properly for the best results. With the right flowers and a little creativity, you'll be able to create visually stunning and flavorful desserts that are sure to impress.