Foraging Elderflowers and Using Elderflower Cordial in a Lemon Elderflower Cake

Foraging for wild ingredients is a wonderful way to connect with nature and bring fresh, seasonal flavours into your kitchen. One of the most delightful finds in late spring and early summer is the elderflower. These delicate, fragrant blossoms are perfect for making elderflower cordial, a refreshing syrup that adds a floral sweetness to drinks and desserts alike. Today, I’ll share how to forage elderflowers safely, make your own elderflower cordial, and then use it in a delicious lemon elderflower cake recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.

Close-up view of fresh elderflower blossoms on a bush

Foraging Elderflowers: What You Need to Know

Elderflowers grow on the elder tree (Sambucus nigra), which is common across the UK, including Kent. The best time to pick elderflower is when the flowers are fully open but still fresh and white, usually from late May to early July. Here are some tips to make your foraging safe and successful:

• Identify the tree correctly: Elder trees have clusters of tiny white flowers and dark purple berries later in the season. The leaves are pinnate with 5-7 leaflets. Avoid confusing elder with similar-looking plants like dogwood or spurge laurel, which can be toxic.

  
  

• Pick on a dry day: For the best flavour and to avoid mould, pick elderflowers on a dry, sunny day. Early morning after the dew has dried is ideal.

  
  

• Choose fresh, fragrant flowers: Look for blossoms that are fully open but not browning or wilting. Avoid flowers near busy roads or polluted areas.

  
  

• Use scissors or a knife: Cut the flower heads with a sharp tool to avoid damaging the tree. Leave plenty of flowers behind so the tree can continue to thrive.

  
  

• Gather in a breathable container: Use a basket or paper bag to keep the flowers fresh and prevent them from getting crushed.

  
  

Making Elderflower Cordial at Home

Once you’ve gathered your elderflowers, making cordial is surprisingly simple. This syrup captures the floral aroma and subtle sweetness of the flowers, making it a versatile ingredient for drinks and desserts.

Ingredients

• 20 elderflower heads, freshly picked

• 1.5 litres of water

• 1 kg granulated sugar

• 2 lemons, sliced

• 50g citric acid (optional, helps preserve and add tartness)

  
  

Method

1. Prepare the flowers: Shake the elderflower heads gently to remove any insects or dirt. Avoid washing them as this can wash away the flavour.

   
   

2. Boil the water and sugar: In a large pan, bring the water to a boil. Add the sugar and stir until fully dissolved.

   
   

3. Add elderflowers and lemons: Remove the pan from heat. Add the elderflower heads and lemon slices to the hot syrup.

   
   

4. Steep: Cover the pan and leave the mixture to steep for 24-48 hours at room temperature. This allows the flavours to infuse fully.

   
   

5. Strain and bottle: Strain the cordial through a fine sieve or muslin cloth into sterilised bottles. Add citric acid if using, then seal the bottles.

   
   

6. Store: Keep the cordial in the fridge and use within 4 weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

   
   

Elderflower cordial is delicious diluted with sparkling water, added to cocktails, or used in baking.

Lemon Elderflower Cake

Now for the fun part: baking a lemon elderflower cake that highlights the floral notes of your homemade cordial. This cake is light, moist, and perfect for summer gatherings or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 225g unsalted butter, softened

• 225g caster sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 225g self-raising flour

• 2 tsp baking powder

• Zest of 2 lemons

• 4 tbsp elderflower cordial

• 2 tbsp milk

  
  

For the elderflower syrup

• 4 tbsp elderflower cordial

• Juice of 1 lemon

  
  

For the frosting

• 300g icing sugar

• 100g unsalted butter, softened

• 2 tbsp elderflower cordial

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

  
  

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and grease and line two 20cm round cake tins.

   
   

2. Cream butter and sugar: Beat the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.

   
   

3. Add eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, adding a spoonful of flour if the mixture starts to curdle.

   
   

4. Mix dry ingredients: Sift the flour and baking powder together.

   
   

5. Combine: Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture gently. Add lemon zest, elderflower cordial, and milk, mixing until smooth.

   
   

6. Bake: Divide the batter between the tins and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a skewer comes out clean.

   
   

7. Make the syrup: Mix elderflower cordial and lemon juice. When the cakes are warm, prick them with a skewer and brush the syrup over the tops to soak in.

   
   

8. Prepare the frosting: Beat the butter until soft, then gradually add icing sugar, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice until smooth and spreadable.

   
   

9. Assemble: Once the cakes are cool, spread frosting on one layer, sandwich with the second, then cover the top and sides with the remaining frosting.

   
   

This cake is a celebration of spring and summer flavours, with the elderflower cordial adding a subtle floral sweetness that pairs beautifully with zesty lemon.

Eye-level view of a lemon elderflower cake with frosting and lemon zest decoration

Where to Find Quality Ingredients and Baking Supplies in Kent

If you want to try this recipe but don’t have time to forage or make your own cordial, there are some great local options to consider. For example, Eat & Mess in Deal, Kent, offers artisan baked goods inspired by seasonal ingredients. Their lemon elderflower cake is a perfect example of how local flavours can shine in a bakery setting.

For those who want to bake at home, sourcing quality ingredients is key. You might find elderflower cordial from local producers or artisan food shops in Kent. Using fresh, local lemons and good-quality butter will also make a big difference in your cake.

Tips for Enjoying Elderflower Cordial and Cake

• Serve elderflower cordial chilled with sparkling water and a slice of lemon for a refreshing drink on warm days.

  
  

• The lemon elderflower cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of Earl Grey tea or a light white wine.

  
  

• Try adding elderflower cordial to other desserts like panna cotta, ice cream, or fruit salads for a floral twist.

  
  

• If you want to experiment, elderflower cordial also works well in cocktails, such as a classic gin and tonic with a splash of cordial.

  
  

High angle view of a glass of elderflower cordial with lemon slices and ice cubes

Making elderflower cordial and baking with it is a rewarding way to celebrate the seasons and bring a bit of nature’s charm into your kitchen. Whether you forage your own flowers or buy from a trusted local source, the floral notes of elderflower add a unique and delightful flavour to your baking and drinks.

If you’re in Kent and want to explore more seasonal baking, keep an eye out for workshops and events at local artisan bakeries like Eat & Mess. They offer a chance to learn new skills and enjoy delicious treats made with care and creativity.

Happy foraging and baking!

This post is for informational purposes only. Always ensure you correctly identify plants before foraging and consult local guidelines.