Sometimes, you just want to create a memorable cake that the people in your PTA, church group, club or family  will rave about. Have you considered topping your cake with some “off the beaten path” edible ideas like flowers?  Some flowers are edible and add a distinct overall flavor, especially if you crystallize them. This is a little used technique.

Types of Edible Flowers

There are a number of edible flowers out there that would not only add a unique and tasty element but would also be quite attractive on the cake as decorations.  For instance, lavender has a lovely aroma, but did you know that it can be eaten as well?  The white flowers on mint plants or the red blossoms on pineapple sage are also great visual choices as well.

The cream colored blooms on lemon verbena are a great choice.   Marigolds and roses can be as well. However, it is important not to purchase them from a florist as flowers are usually treated with a chemicals there.  Pick the flowers naturally from your yard or area that you know is safe from pesticides.  Have friends grow the flowers for you in an organic way!

Preparing the Flowers

In order to use the flowers as edible decoration, wash the flower petals and gently dry.  Whisk an egg white and then using a fine, soft brush apply the egg white onto the petals. While the egg white is wet, coat the flower by sprinkling baker’s sugar (a superfine variety) onto the flower and then allow to completely dry.

Be sure to shake off gently any excess sugar and place the flower onto an absorbent towel or even wax paper to dry. For a little variety, you can use colored granulated sugar or even sweet edible dusting powder which can be found at most stores which carry cake decorating supplies.

Other Non-Traditional Cake Toppers

Depending on your cake theme, you can also use non-traditional cake toppers like nuts or coconut. To bring out the flavor, you will want to lightly toast the nuts or coconut prior to applying to the cake.  Be careful..lightly toast!

You can follow the same process of sugar crystallizing a flower on your favorite fruits like grapes, orange or lemon slices, and even berries. Candied peels from citrus fruits like lemon, lime and orange are an idea as well as chocolate shavings, slices of your favorite candy bar or even chocolate dipped fruits like strawberries.  Enjoy!

To read more check out the whole package at Art of Fine Cake Decorating

Tags: cake decorating technique, cake icing technique, flowers on cakes

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 11:00 pm and is filed under Cake Decorating. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.