When it comes to baking with edible flowers, the possibilities are endless. Not only do these beautiful blooms add vibrant colors and delicate flavors, but they also allow for creative pairings that can enhance and complement the natural sweetness of your baked goods. At The Flower Food Company, we believe that combining different edible flowers can elevate your recipes to new heights, adding complexity and depth of flavor. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best floral pairings for your next baking adventure.
1. Lavender and Lemon: A Timeless Duo
One of the most classic and beloved floral pairings is lavender and lemon. The calming, slightly herbal notes of lavender pair beautifully with the bright, citrusy zing of lemon. Together, they create a balanced and refreshing flavor profile perfect for a variety of baked goods.
- Lavender Lemon Shortbread: Add dried lavender to your shortbread dough and infuse the flavor with fresh lemon zest. The result is a crisp, aromatic cookie with a delicate floral taste that’s complemented by the zing of citrus.
- Lavender Lemonade Cupcakes: A light and airy cake with lavender-infused syrup soaked into the layers, finished with a tangy lemon glaze, will surely be a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. The combination of these two flowers creates a refreshing and fragrant dessert. Our Lemon Cupcakes with Lavender Frosting Mix are one of our bestsellers!
2. Chamomile and Honey: Sweet and Calming
Chamomile is known for its soothing, floral flavor with hints of apple and honey. When paired with the natural sweetness of honey, it creates a comforting and mellow flavor that works perfectly in many baked goods.
- Chamomile Honey Scones: Incorporate chamomile flowers into your scone dough and add a touch of honey to balance the floral notes. These scones will melt in your mouth and give you a comforting, tranquil experience with each bite. Try our Chamomile Honey Scone Mix to see what we mean!
- Chamomile Honey Cupcakes: For a delicate, slightly sweet flavor, chamomile works beautifully when infused into frosting or cake batter, with a hint of honey added to sweeten the deal. These cupcakes are perfect for afternoon tea or any occasion that calls for something refined and soothing.
3. Rose and Pistachio: A Luxurious Combination
The delicate fragrance of rose petals pairs wonderfully with the nutty, earthy flavor of pistachios. This pairing is ideal for more decadent desserts, where the floral notes elevate the overall experience.
- Rose Pistachio Cake: A fluffy cake made with rose water and chopped pistachios throughout, finished with a rose-infused frosting. This cake is the perfect combination of floral and nutty, with an elegant touch that’s sure to impress.
- Rose Pistachio Biscotti: For a crunchy, elegant treat, pair rose petals with pistachio nuts in biscotti. The rose petals give the biscotti a fragrant flavor, while the pistachios add a savory contrast, creating a sophisticated and unique snack.
4. Violet and Vanilla: Light and Playful
Violets have a gentle, sweet, and slightly grassy flavor, which makes them a perfect match for the rich, warm sweetness of vanilla. Together, these two flavors create a light and playful combination that works well in various desserts.
- Violet Vanilla Macarons: Add a layer of violet-flavored buttercream between two delicate vanilla macarons. The subtle sweetness of violet complements the rich vanilla, making this treat a delightful indulgence.
- Violet Vanilla Pudding: A creamy, velvety vanilla pudding infused with violet syrup creates a dessert that is both comforting and refreshing. Garnish with candied violets for an elegant finishing touch.
5. Hibiscus and Orange: A Bold, Fruity Pairing
Hibiscus flowers have a tart, slightly citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the bright, tangy flavor of oranges. Together, they create a bold, fruity combination that’s perfect for refreshing summer desserts.
- Hibiscus Orange Cookies: Incorporate dried hibiscus petals into your cookie dough and add orange zest for a bold, flavorful bite. These cookies are the perfect balance of tart and sweet.
- Hibiscus Orange Glazed Donuts: A fluffy donut with a tangy hibiscus glaze and a hint of orange zest will awaken your taste buds with every bite. The boldness of hibiscus combined with the citrusy orange creates a mouthwatering treat.
6. Jasmine and Almond: Elegant and Subtle
Jasmine flowers bring a floral, almost perfumed note to baked goods, and when paired with the mild, nutty taste of almonds, the result is an elegant and subtly sophisticated flavor.
- Jasmine Almond Cake: Infuse jasmine into your cake batter or frosting, and add ground almonds to create a soft, moist cake with a delicate flavor. This cake is perfect for special occasions where you want something refined yet simple.
- Jasmine Almond Cookies: These cookies will have a delightful aroma, with the floral essence of jasmine mingling with the nutty flavor of almonds. They make a perfect tea-time snack.
7. Combining Multiple Flowers: Get Creative
The beauty of edible flowers is that they allow you to experiment with different combinations of flavors. Feel free to combine multiple floral notes to create a truly unique and personalized flavor profile. Some ideas include:
- Lavender, Chamomile, and Lemon: A delightful mix of calming floral notes with a citrus kick.
- Rose, Violet, and Lemon: A combination of floral and fruity flavors, perfect for cupcakes or cakes.
- Lavender, Hibiscus, and Honey: A fragrant floral and sweet blend for cookies or tea cakes.
When combining flowers, always keep in mind that some flowers are stronger than others. Start with small amounts of more potent flowers like lavender or hibiscus and taste as you go. The goal is to create a balanced flavor profile where no one flower overwhelms the others.
Let Your Imagination Bloom
Baking with edible flowers opens up a world of creative possibilities. By experimenting with different floral pairings, you can create unique flavor profiles that surprise and delight your taste buds. Whether you’re using lavender, chamomile, rose petals, or a combination of flowers, your creations will be as visually stunning as they are delicious.
At The Flower Food Company, we’ve taken the guesswork out of floral baking by offering a range of expertly crafted baking mixes infused with edible flowers. But if you’re feeling adventurous, use our suggestions to create your own floral blends and watch your baked goods bloom with flavor. Luckily, we offer dried French lavender buds, chamomile, and dried rose petals for your convenience!