Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of a dessert that captures the delicate beauty and subtle aroma of cherry blossoms in every bite, then this Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Light, fluffy, and bursting with gentle floral notes from pickled petals and syrup, this cake is a celebration of springtime elegance and flavor. It combines the bright freshness of matcha, the creamy indulgence of cheesecake-like frosting, and the tender crumb of a perfectly baked layered cake, resulting in a truly enchanting treat that not only delights the palate but also captivates the eyes. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to brighten an ordinary day, this Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe will quickly become a cherished classic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in bringing together the unique flavor profile and texture of the cake. From the soft cake flour to the floral cherry blossom syrup, each component is carefully chosen to build layers of subtle complexity and visual charm.

• Cake flour, 2 ½ cups: Provides the light and tender crumb essential for a delicate cake.
• Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons: Keeps the cake soft and moist by reducing gluten formation.
• Baking powder, 1 teaspoon: Ensures the cake rises evenly for a fluffy texture.
• Baking soda, ½ teaspoon: Works with acidic ingredients for proper leavening.
• Salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar, 1 cup: Sweetens and helps achieve a tender crumb through creaming with butter.
• Unsalted butter, ½ cup (softened): Adds richness and moisture with a creamy texture.
• Eggs, 2 large (room temperature): Provide structure and emulsify the batter.
• Plain yogurt, ½ cup (whole milk, room temperature): Adds tang and moistness for a tender crumb.
• Whole milk, ¾ cup (room temperature): Balances batter consistency and enriches flavor.
• Cherry blossom syrup, 1 tablespoon: Infuses the cake with gentle floral sweetness.
• Pickled cherry blossom petals, 2 tablespoons (rinsed and chopped): Offer subtle fragrance and delicate texture throughout the cake layers.
• Matcha powder, 1 teaspoon: Adds a soft green hue and complements the floral notes perfectly.
• Cream cheese, 8 ounces (softened): Creates a smooth and tangy frosting base.
• Unsalted butter, ½ cup (softened): Makes the frosting creamy and spreadable.
• Powdered sugar, 3 cups (sifted): Sweetens and stabilizes the frosting while keeping it light.
• Cherry blossom honey, 1 tablespoon: Enhances the frosting with extra floral sweetness and depth.
• Gelatin powder, 1 teaspoon: Helps the frosting hold its shape without being too firm.
• Cold water, 2 tablespoons: Used to bloom the gelatin for better incorporation.
• Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon: Balances and rounds out the frosting flavors.

How to Make Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Blossom Petals

Begin by gently rinsing the pickled cherry blossom petals to wash away excess salt. Soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften, which ensures their subtle fragrance and delicate flavor come through without overpowering the cake. After draining, chop them finely so their lovely essence disperses evenly throughout the batter.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha powder. This step is essential to avoid clumps and to evenly distribute the matcha powder, which stains the cake layers just the right shade of pastel green, enhancing both taste and visual appeal.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use a mixer on medium-high speed to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns pale and fluffy, typically 3 to 4 minutes. This process introduces air that helps develop the cake’s light texture, setting the foundation for a tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Wet Flavorings

Add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next. Then mix in the yogurt and cherry blossom syrup. The yogurt adds moisture and a slight tang that balances sweetness, while the syrup enhances the floral character that makes this Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe so special.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the batter in three batches, starting and ending with the dry mix. Fold in the chopped cherry blossom petals cautiously to maintain the cake’s delicate texture while ensuring the flavor is spread throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare two 8-inch round pans by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly and bake for 28 to 32 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare Gelatin

Sprinkle gelatin powder over cold water and let it soak for 5 minutes until it swells. Warm gently until dissolved, either on a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, ensuring no lumps remain. This gelatin will stabilize your frosting, keeping it smooth and perfect for decorating.

Step 8: Make the Frosting

Beat cream cheese and softened butter until creamy and smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add cherry blossom honey and vanilla extract, then slowly incorporate the dissolved gelatin while mixing on low speed to maintain a light but stable frosting texture.

Step 9: Assemble the Cake

Place one cooled cake layer on your serving plate and spread half the frosting evenly over the top. Add the second cake layer and use the remaining frosting to cover the top and sides. Smooth the frosting for a clean, elegant finish. Chill the cake for at least one hour to let flavors meld and the frosting set beautifully.

Step 10: Final Decorations

Garnish the finished cake with whole rinsed cherry blossom petals or other edible flowers to add an inviting floral scent and make the presentation as breathtaking as the taste. This final touch completes your Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe perfectly.

How to Serve Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Simple yet stunning garnishes like fresh cherry blossom petals, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar elevate this cake’s delicate nature. Such touches add both visual appeal and a subtle aroma that complements the gentle floral flavors in the cake without overwhelming them.

Side Dishes

A cup of light green tea or jasmine tea pairs beautifully with this cake, balancing its sweetness and enhancing the floral notes. Fresh seasonal fruits or a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream can also provide a delightful contrast in texture and flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering smaller individual cakes or cupcakes with the same frosting and decorations for charming party treats. Alternatively, serve slices with a drizzle of cherry blossom syrup or a light sprinkle of matcha powder to bring the theme full circle and wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days while maintaining the moist crumb and creamy frosting texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cake layers separately, wrapped well in plastic and foil, for up to 2 months. thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before frosting. Frosted cakes freeze less well, so it’s best to assemble after thawing for optimal texture.

Reheating

Since this cake is best enjoyed chilled, avoid reheating it. However, to bring it slightly closer to room temperature for best flavor release, remove from the fridge about 30 minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherry blossoms instead of pickled petals?

Fresh cherry blossoms lack the preserved sweetness and depth from pickling, so while you can use them for decoration, the flavor infusion in the cake won’t be the same without pickled petals and syrup.

What if I don’t have matcha powder?

You can omit matcha for a more neutral cake color and flavor, though the subtle green tint and the earthiness matcha brings complement the floral tones wonderfully.

Is there a substitute for the cherry blossom syrup?

If you can’t find cherry blossom syrup, rose syrup or another delicate floral syrup can work as a substitute, but keep in mind the flavor will shift slightly away from the classic cherry blossom profile.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe relies on eggs, dairy, and gelatin, so converting it to vegan requires significant changes including vegan substitutes for eggs and gelatin, as well as dairy-free alternatives for butter, yogurt, cream cheese, and milk.

How long does the frosting take to set in the fridge?

Allow at least one hour in the refrigerator for the gelatin in the frosting to firm up and create a stable, scoopable texture that’s easy to slice through without losing shape.

Final Thoughts

This Cherry Blossom Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a gorgeous indulgence that brings the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms to your table anytime you wish. The balance of floral, creamy, and subtly earthy flavors creates a cake that’s light yet memorable, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience just how magical baking with cherry blossoms can be!

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