Name: Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon salt; Zest from 1 lemon; 1 cup, plus 2 tablespoons, white granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature; 4 large eggs; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup), at room temperature; 4 cups sifted powdered sugar; Pinch of salt; 2 tablespoons St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 90 reviews

If you are searching for a delightful springtime treat that balances floral notes with zesty brightness, this Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe is your next baking adventure. Imagine biting into a tender, moist cake where the subtle sweetness of elderflower liqueur mingles harmoniously with fresh lemon zest and juice, creating a refreshing yet comforting flavor combination. It’s an exquisite cake that feels both elegant and approachable, perfect for celebrations or simply brightening an ordinary afternoon with something truly special.

Ingredients You'll Need

A metal baking tray holds several baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled texture surface. From top left to right are three small clear glass bowls with white powders, then two sticks of butter stacked one above the other in yellow paper wrappers, next to a small glass cup filled with a dark brown liquid. Below them in the middle there are two whole yellow lemons, a silver rectangular wrapped block of cream cheese, a glass measuring cup filled with white milk, and three whole white eggs placed side by side near the bottom right corner. The surface around the tray is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe relies on simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create a beautiful blend of texture, flavor, and freshness. Each component plays a key role, from the fragrant lemon zest to the smooth, velvety buttercream enhanced with a splash of elderflower liqueur.

All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and crumb for the cake layers.

Baking powder: Helps the cake rise to a light, fluffy texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Lemon zest: Brings a bright and fresh citrus aroma that wakes up the palate.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while allowing the lemon and elderflower to shine.

Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to both the cake and frosting.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and lend structure without heaviness.
Lemon juice: Adds tanginess and enhances the zest's citrus punch.

Vanilla extract: Adds depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
Powdered sugar: Integral for creating a silky smooth frosting.
St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur: Infuses the frosting with its uniquely floral and fruity character.

How to Make Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preparing the Cake Layers

Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour two 8-inch cake pans, and for extra ease when removing the cakes, line the bottoms with parchment paper rounds. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt thoroughly; this dry mix is the foundation of your tender cake.

Step 2: Infusing Sugar with Lemon Zest

Switch over to your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (a hand mixer works just fine too). Add the lemon zest to the granulated sugar and pulse on low speed. This quick step is pure magic — the citrus oils in the zest infuse the sugar, unlocking the vibrant lemon flavor that makes this Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe so special.

Step 3: Mixing the Batter

Next, incorporate the room-temperature butter into the lemon-scented sugar and beat until the mixture looks fluffy and pale. Crack in the eggs one by one, followed by the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully blended. Finally, add the flour mixture and beat just enough to combine everything without overmixing, which keeps your cake wonderfully tender.

Step 4: Baking the Cake

Divide your luscious batter evenly between the prepared pans and slide them into the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center emerges clean. Once baked, let the cakes cool for about five minutes in their pans before turning them out onto cooling racks to cool completely. Don’t rush this step — fully cooled layers make for easier frosting and a neater cake.

Step 5: Whipping Up the Frosting

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting. In your mixer bowl, cream together the butter, sifted powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, about a minute of vigorous beating. Then, pour in the St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur and blend once more until the frosting is evenly smooth and luxuriously aromatic. This floral buttercream is the crowning glory of the Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe

A round cake with two visible layers of light yellow sponge separated by a thin layer of light purple frosting, the outside completely covered in smooth light purple frosting. The top and sides of the cake are decorated with many buttercream flowers in three colors: dark pink, orange, and brown, arranged closely together. Two slices of the cake are served on white plates, each slice showing the same two layers with light purple frosting and decorated with a few of the same colored flowers on top. Scattered around the cake on the white marbled surface are additional buttercream flowers in dark pink, orange, and brown. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle some edible flowers, like violets or pansies, or decorate with thin lemon slices to enhance the cake's springtime vibe. A light dusting of powdered sugar, especially over the elderflower buttercream, adds a delicate snow-kissed finish.

Side Dishes

Serve your cake with fresh berries or a dollop of lightly whipped cream infused with a hint of lemon zest or elderflower syrup for complementary flavors that elevate each bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering the cake in a trifle dish alongside lemon curd and elderflower syrup-soaked sponge cubes for an impressive presentation. Alternatively, individual mini Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe cupcakes make for charming, shareable treats at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. This will preserve the flavors and keep the frosting firm, perfect for enjoying up to 3 days later.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before frosting and assembling your Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, gently reheat a slice at room temperature or briefly microwave a small piece for about 10 seconds. However, this cake is just as delightful served cool or at room temperature.

FAQs

Can I use elderflower syrup instead of liqueur in the frosting?

Yes, elderflower syrup can be used as a non-alcoholic alternative. You might want to adjust the powdered sugar slightly to maintain the right frosting consistency, as syrup adds extra liquid.

What cake pans work best for this recipe?

Two 8-inch round cake pans are ideal because they create even, manageable layers that bake consistently. Make sure to grease and flour them well to avoid sticking.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe relies on butter and eggs for texture and richness, but you can experiment with vegan butter alternatives and flax eggs. Note that the texture and taste might differ slightly.

Is St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur essential?

While it’s the signature ingredient that gives the frosting its delicate floral flavor, you can substitute with elderflower cordial or syrup if you prefer to avoid alcohol, though the depth of flavor will be a bit different.

How do I know when the cake is baked perfectly?

Insert a toothpick or thin skewer into the center of a cake layer. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid opening the oven too often to prevent sinking.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe is one I keep coming back to whenever I want something that feels both special and effortlessly delicious. The way the floral elderflower flavor dances with the bright lemon notes is simply unforgettable. Go ahead, gather your ingredients and give it a try — you’ll be so glad you did, and your friends or family will be asking for it again in no time.

Elderflower Lemon Cake Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need