Vegan Elderflower Cake

This Vegan Elderflower Cake is a delicate and floral-infused dessert, perfect for spring and Easter celebrations. With soft, fluffy layers infused with subtle elderflower notes, this cake offers a light, airy texture that melts in your mouth. The creamy, dairy-free frosting complements the floral flavors beautifully, while its smooth, slightly glossy finish makes it an elegant showstopper. Whether you need an Easter birthday cake, a spring cake, or a cute Easter dessert, this recipe is a stunning choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 100% vegan – Made without dairy or eggs, yet incredibly soft and moist.
• Floral and refreshing – Elderflower adds a subtle, elegant touch to the cake.
• Perfect for Easter baking – A lovely option for Easter bakery ideas and Easter cake decorating ideas.
• Light and airy – Ideal for spring desserts that aren’t overly heavy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Granulated sugar
• Almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Elderflower syrup
• Vanilla extract
• Vegetable oil

For the Frosting

• Dairy-free butter
• Powdered sugar
• Elderflower syrup
• Lemon zest (optional)

For Decoration

• Edible flowers (like pansies or chamomile)
• Fresh berries
• A light dusting of powdered sugar

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two cake pans.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mix almond milk, apple cider vinegar, elderflower syrup, vanilla, and oil.
4. Mix together: Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until smooth.

Step 2: Bake the Cake

1. Divide batter evenly between the cake pans.
2. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
3. Cool completely before frosting.

Step 3: Make the Frosting

1. Beat dairy-free butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until fluffy.
3. Add elderflower syrup and lemon zest, beating until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

1. Frost the cake: Spread frosting evenly between the layers and over the top.
2. Decorate with edible flowers, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
3. Chill for 15 minutes before serving for best texture.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10–12 slices
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Baking time: 30 minutes
• Cooling & decorating time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Citrus Twist: Add a touch of lemon juice to the batter for extra brightness.
• Berry Filling: Layer with fresh berries and jam between cake layers.
• Extra Floral Notes: Add a splash of rose or lavender extract for a more pronounced floral flavor.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 1 month.
• Make-Ahead: Bake the cake a day before and frost just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh elderflowers instead of syrup?

Yes! Steep fresh elderflowers in warm almond milk for extra flavor.

2. What’s the best plant-based milk to use?

Almond or oat milk works best for a light, fluffy texture.

3. How do I prevent my cake from being too dense?

Be sure to measure flour correctly and don’t overmix the batter.

4. Can I make cupcakes instead of a layer cake?

Yes! Bake for 18–20 minutes instead.

5. What can I use instead of elderflower syrup?

Try rose syrup, orange blossom water, or a bit of lemon extract.

6. How do I get a smooth frosting finish?

Use an offset spatula and chill the cake before smoothing the frosting.

7. Can I make this cake refined sugar-free?

Yes! Use coconut sugar in the cake and powdered monk fruit sweetener in the frosting.

8. What edible flowers work best for decorating?

Pansies, violets, and chamomile are great for Easter cake designs.

9. How do I make this cake extra moist?

Add a tablespoon of applesauce or dairy-free yogurt to the batter.

10. Can I use coconut cream instead of dairy-free butter for frosting?

Yes! Chill coconut cream and whip with powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Conclusion

This Vegan Elderflower Cake is a light, floral, and elegant addition to your Easter baking ideas. Whether you’re making a spring cake, Easter-themed cake, or a cute Easter dessert, this recipe is sure to impress with its delicate elderflower flavor and creamy frosting. Try it for your next spring celebration and enjoy a truly beautiful and delicious dessert!