Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

If you have a soft spot for delicate, floral-inspired desserts, you’re going to fall completely in love with this Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe. It’s a beautiful celebration of subtle sweetness and enchanting aroma, blending pickled cherry blossom petals and syrup with a light, tender crumb and a creamy, floral frosting. This cake is not only a feast for your taste buds but also a lovely centerpiece for any occasion, evoking the gentle elegance of springtime cherry blossoms in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is really straightforward, yet each one plays an essential role in bringing the unique flavors and textures of this cake to life. From the tenderizing effect of the yogurt to the delicate green hue from the matcha, every element contributes something special.

• 2 ½ cups cake flour: Provides the perfect tender and soft structure for the cake layers.
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Ensures a light, delicate crumb by softening the flour’s protein.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Leavens the cake for a gentle rise.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and helps achieve a nice golden color.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors, preventing the cake from tasting flat.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without overpowering the floral notes.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture.
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• ½ cup plain yogurt (whole milk), room temperature: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• ¾ cup whole milk, room temperature: Balances the batter’s consistency perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon cherry blossom syrup (from pickled petals): Infuses the cake with authentic floral sweetness.
• 2 tablespoons pickled cherry blossom petals, rinsed thoroughly and chopped finely: Adds texture and bursts of cherry blossom flavor.
• 1 teaspoon matcha powder: Offers a subtle green tint and mild earthiness that complements the cherry blossoms.
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates a smooth and tangy frosting base.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness to the frosting’s creamy texture.
• 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted: Sweetens and thickens the frosting perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon cherry blossom honey: Enhances floral notes with honey’s natural sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon gelatin powder: Keeps the frosting stable and perfectly set.
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for gelatin bloom): Activates the gelatin for smooth incorporation.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with warm, familiar notes.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Blossom Petals

The first step to elevating this cake’s appeal is treating the cherry blossom petals properly. Rinse the pickled petals under cold water multiple times, then soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This carefully removes excess salt without stripping away their gentle fragrance and lovely color. After soaking, drain and chop them finely to ensure they distribute their subtle floral flavor evenly throughout the cake batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. Sifting not only eliminates lumps but also blends the matcha uniformly, giving the cake a soft green tint that whispers of spring and harmonizes with the cherry blossoms perfectly.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until pale and fluffy, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This is key for introducing air that will help your cake stay light and delicate—an essential texture for highlighting the petals rather than weighing them down.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Wet Flavors

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to keep the batter smooth. Then, blend in the yogurt and cherry blossom syrup to add moisture and infuse your cake with a natural, beautiful floral essence that isn’t overpowering but deeply inviting.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients, Fold in Petals

Add the dry mixture and milk alternately to the batter in three parts, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Stir gently just until combined each time to keep the batter light and tender. Finally, fold in the finely chopped cherry blossom petals with care to ensure your cake keeps its soft crumb and gets those delightful bursts of flavor and texture.

Step 6: Bake the Cake Layers

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans. Divide the batter evenly between them and bake for 28 to 32 minutes. Test doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely—this cooling step is a lifesaver for keeping them tender and easy to frost.

Step 7: Prepare the Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let it bloom for 5 minutes. Then gently warm it until fully dissolved; this will ensure your frosting holds its shape with a lovely lightness, making every slice look clean and beautiful without losing its fluffy texture.

Step 8: Make the Cherry Blossom Cream Cheese Frosting

Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition. Stir in cherry blossom honey and vanilla extract, then gently fold in the dissolved gelatin while continuing to mix on low speed. The frosting becomes delightfully silky, stable, and with that enchanting floral note that pairs so well with the cake.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread half the frosting evenly over the top. Carefully set the second layer on top and cover the whole cake with the remaining frosting, smoothing the sides for an elegant finish. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the frosting to set perfectly and for the flavors to meld, making every slice a dream to enjoy.

Step 10: Add the Final Touch

For a truly stunning presentation, garnish your cake with a few whole rinsed cherry blossom petals or edible flowers. They add subtle fragrance and beauty, enhancing the visual charm without overpowering the cake’s gentle floral character. It’s the perfect way to honor the inspirations behind this lovely Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh cherry blossom petals or edible flowers work beautifully here to highlight the cake’s floral theme. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can add a touch of elegance and sweetness, while a drizzle of cherry blossom honey brings out extra aroma and shine. It’s all about subtle touches that elevate without distractions.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with simple accompaniments like a cup of fragrant green tea or jasmine tea that echoes the cake’s delicate flavors. Fresh berries or a small bowl of lightly sweetened whipped cream can also be a charming addition, balancing the cake’s floral notes with a touch of brightness or creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress your guests, consider layering the cake with edible gold flakes scattered on top for a luxurious touch. Serve individual slices on pastel-colored plates with a cherry blossom tea on the side to create a thematic experience. You might also present the cake surrounded by small vases of fresh cherry blossoms to visually tie the whole setting together beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once frosted, cover the Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This will keep the cake moist and the frosting fresh for up to 3 days, allowing time to savor every bite without losing any of that delicate floral essence.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted cake layers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw the layers in the refrigerator overnight before frosting. If you freeze a fully assembled and frosted cake, freeze it uncovered initially to set the frosting, then wrap it well. Thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

This cake is best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it a little warmer, let the refrigerated slice sit at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes before eating to soften the frosting and reveal more aroma. Avoid microwaving as it may alter the delicate crumb and cause the frosting to separate.

FAQs

Can I substitute cherry blossom syrup with something else?

While cherry blossom syrup is key for the authentic floral flavor, if unavailable, a small amount of rose syrup or elderflower syrup can be used as alternatives, though they will change the signature taste slightly. You might want to reduce quantities as these can be stronger in flavor.

Are the pickled cherry blossom petals edible?

Yes, after thorough rinsing and soaking to remove excess salt, the pickled petals become tender and safe to eat. They add a unique floral texture and delicate aroma which is essential for this cake’s charm.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This cake relies on dairy and eggs for its texture and flavor, especially the frosting with cream cheese and butter. You can experiment with vegan substitutes like plant-based yogurt, vegan butter, and flax eggs, but the texture and flavor might be somewhat different from the original Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe.

What does matcha powder do in this recipe?

Matcha powder adds a subtle earthiness and a soft green color that complements the visual and flavor profile of the cake. It balances the sweetness and floral notes gracefully, giving the cake a depth that enhances each bite.

How long does the finalized Cherry Blossom Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, the cake stays fresh and delicious for about 3 days. Beyond that, the delicate floral notes may begin to fade, and the texture might change, so it’s best enjoyed within that window.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe enough if you’re looking to delight your senses with something truly special and elegant. It’s a heartfelt, floral-infused treat that makes any occasion feel like a beautiful spring celebration. Trust me, once you try this cake, it will become a treasured favorite that you’ll want to share over and over again.

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