I’m so excited to finally share this unique and flavorful recipe that combines the fragrant beauty of lilac flowers with the zesty freshness of lemon, and the natural sweetness of honey. This Lilac Lemon and Honey Cake is perfect for spring and early summer, offering a delightful twist on traditional lemon cakes.
What do Lilacs Taste Like
Lilacs have a delicate, slightly floral taste with subtle hints of astringency and a mild sweetness. The flavor is often described as light and perfumy, reminiscent of the scent of the flowers themselves. When used in culinary recipes, such as syrups, cakes, or infused sugars, lilacs impart a gentle, aromatic quality that complements sweet dishes and desserts perfectly
Other Lilac Recipes to Try
Ingredients for Lilac Honey Cake
For the Cake
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup lilac flowers, packed
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1-2 tbsp lemon juice
How to Make A Lilac Cake
Harvesting Lilac Flowers
Ensure your lilac flowers are organic (if buying) and free from pesticides. Pluck or snip the blossoms from their stems, making sure to avoid the leaves and stems (any green parts) which can be bitter.
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, olive oil, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the lilac flowers gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Preparing the Glaze
- Add the icing sugar to a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until you achieve the desired consistency for drizzling.
- Stir in the lemon zest.
Tips on How to Gather Lilacs
- Best Time: Harvest lilac flowers in the early morning when they are most fragrant.
- Preparation: Remove the small white or purple petals from the small green sepals. Allow the flowers to sit overnight to enhance their aroma.
- Storage: Lilac flowers can be stored in the refrigerator in a container with a damp paper towel for up to a week.
Other Cake Recipes You’ll Love
- Raspberry and White Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Blood Orange Yogurt Cake
- Lemon Zucchini Cake With Sweet Lemon Glaze
- Lemon and Olive Oil Cake
- Glazed Orange Loaf Cake
Recipe Recap
This Lilac Lemon and Honey Cake is a stunning and delicious way to celebrate the beauty of spring. The combination of lemon and lilac offers a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and aromatic. Perfect for any gathering or a special treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress.
Lilac Lemon and Honey Cake
You'll love this delightful Lilac Lemon and Honey Cake recipe, combining the floral notes of lilacs with zesty lemon and sweet honey. Perfect for spring, this cake is easy to make and absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup yogurt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup lilac flowers, packed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, yogurt, olive oil, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the lilac flowers gently.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
To prepare the lemon glaze, add the icing sugar to a small bowl and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice until you achieve the desired consistency for drizzling. Stir in the lemon zest and drizzle when ready.
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.