Lemon Elderflower Cake is an elegant dessert that combines the bright, zesty flavor of lemon with the subtle, floral notes of elderflower. This cake is perfect for special occasions like weddings, showers, or any time you want to impress your guests with a sophisticated yet delicious treat. The tender lemon cake layers are complemented by a luscious elderflower-infused buttercream, creating a beautifully balanced dessert that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Ingredients
For the Lemon Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
- 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur (such as St-Germain)
For the Elderflower Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 3-4 tablespoons elderflower liqueur (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (optional, for consistency)
- Lemon zest, for garnish (optional)
- Edible flowers, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare Pans:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line them with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Flavorings:
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the lemon zest.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Liquids:
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the lemon juice, milk, and elderflower liqueur. Begin and end with the flour mixture, mixing just until combined after each addition.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Prepare the Elderflower Buttercream:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add the elderflower liqueur and lemon juice, beating until the buttercream is smooth and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to reach your desired consistency.
8. Assemble the Cake:
- Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous amount of elderflower buttercream over the top.
- Place the second cake layer on top, then frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream.
9. Garnish and Serve:
- For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the cake with lemon zest and edible flowers.
- Serve the cake immediately, or store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Elderflower Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature. This ensures a smoother batter and a more even bake.
- Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest: Use fresh lemons for the juice and zest to achieve the most vibrant and authentic flavor.
- Chill the Cake: If your kitchen is warm, chill the cake layers before frosting to make assembly easier and prevent the buttercream from melting.
Serving Suggestions
Lemon Elderflower Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any celebration. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or a glass of champagne, making it a versatile choice for various occasions.
Conclusion
This Lemon Elderflower Cake is a beautifully balanced dessert that marries the bright, zesty notes of lemon with the delicate, floral essence of elderflower. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to treat yourself, this cake is sure to impress with its sophisticated flavor and elegant presentation.