How to Put Dried Flowers onto Cakes

Decorating cakes with dried flowers is a beautiful and elegant way to add a natural touch to your baked creations. Whether you're preparing a cake for a wedding, birthday, or any special occasion, dried flowers can elevate your dessert to a work of art. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you add dried flowers to your cakes safely and effectively, including how to use floral tape to protect both the cake and the flowers if you wish to keep them as keepsakes.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Flowers

1. Select Edible Flowers: Ensure that the dried flowers you choose are edible and free from pesticides. Some popular edible flowers include roses, lavender, chamomile, and marigolds.
2. Colour and Theme: Choose flowers that match the colour scheme and theme of your cake. Consider the size and shape of the flowers to complement your design.
3. Quality Check: Inspect the dried flowers for any signs of mold or decay. They should be crisp and free from any discoloration.

Step 2: Preparing Your Cake

1. Baking and Cooling: Bake your cake and allow it to cool completely. Applying flowers to a warm cake can cause them to wilt or lose their shape.
2. Frosting: Apply a smooth layer of frosting. Buttercream, fondant, or a simple glaze work well. The frosting acts as an adhesive for the flowers.

Step 3: Preparing the Flowers

1. Trimming: Trim the stems of your dried flowers to the desired length. Make sure the stems are clean and dry.
2. Using Floral Tape: To protect your cake and preserve the flowers as keepsakes, wrap the base of each flower stem with floral tape. Floral tape creates a barrier between the flower and the cake, preventing any potential contaminants from the stem from touching the cake.
   • How to Use Floral Tape: Start by cutting a small piece of floral tape. Stretch the tape slightly to activate its adhesive properties. Wrap the tape around the base of the flower, covering the stem completely. If the stem is long, continue wrapping the tape until the entire stem is covered.

Step 4: Attaching the Flowers

1. Placement Plan: Before attaching the flowers, lay them out on your cake to plan your design. This helps you visualize the final look and make adjustments before committing.
2. Attach with Care: Use a small dab of frosting or edible glue to attach each flower to the cake. Gently press the flower into place. Avoid using too much adhesive as it can overpower the delicate flowers.
3. Layering: For a more dynamic look, layer different types of flowers and foliage. Use smaller blooms and leaves to fill gaps and add depth to your design.

Step 5: Securing and Final Touches

1. Toothpick Method: For larger or heavier flowers, you can insert a small piece of toothpick into the base of the flower and then into the cake. Ensure the toothpick is not visible.
2. Edible Gold or Glitter: Add a touch of edible gold leaf or glitter to enhance the elegance of your dried flower arrangement.
3. Final Check: Once all flowers are attached, give the cake a final inspection. Ensure all flowers are secure and adjust any that seem loose.

Step 6: Storing and Serving

1. Storage: Store the cake in a cool, dry place. Avoid humid conditions as they can affect the texture of the dried flowers.
2. Serving: When cutting the cake, be mindful of the flower placement. Remove any toothpicks or non-edible elements before serving.

Tips and Tricks

• Minimalism: Sometimes less is more. A minimalist design with a few strategically placed flowers can be just as stunning as a fully covered cake.
• Complementary Flavors: Use flowers that complement the flavor of your cake. For example, lavender pairs well with lemon, and roses go beautifully with vanilla.
• DIY Drying: If you prefer, you can dry your own flowers. Simply hang fresh flowers upside down in a dry, dark place for a few weeks until they are fully dried.
• Keepsake Flowers: If you want to keep the dried flowers as mementos, using floral tape ensures they remain intact and uncontaminated, making them perfect for preservation.

Conclusion

Decorating cakes with dried flowers is a delightful way to showcase your creativity and add a touch of natural beauty to your desserts. By carefully selecting and preparing your flowers, planning your design, and securing them properly, you can create stunning cakes that are sure to impress. Happy baking and decorating!