Dandelion Flower Cake

This is a fun cake to bake in the spring when wild dandelions are popping up in the landscape. My mom made this and raved about it, so off I went into the forest to forage dandelions to try it myself.  I adapted the recipe to include her modifications. It’s mildly sweet and delicious!  The perfect cake with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

Recipe adapted from Mountain Rose Herbs – https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/wild-foods-dandelion-tea-and-cake-recipe

DANDELION FLOWER CAKE

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 2 large free-range eggs
• 1 tsp. organic or vanilla
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 3/4 cup freshly picked dandelion flowers (sepals and bracts removed)
• 1 cup organic whole wheat pastry flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
• 1 cup organic rolled oats
• 1 tsp. organic cinnamon powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. sea salt
• 1/2 cup sweetened coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup organic raisins, chopped (optional)
• 1/4 cup organic walnuts, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F and grease & flour a 9-inch springform pan.
2. Combine the butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla in a medium bowl. Add the dandelion flowers and mix well. Set aside.
3. Combine the flour, oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
4. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture while stirring. If using raisins and/or walnuts, add them now.
5. Press the batter into the greased pie plate. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (be careful not to overbake). Let cool.

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE

Ingredients

• 8 oz. organic cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/4 cup freshly picked dandelion flowers (sepals and bracts removed)

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, and maple syrup.
2. Using a hand mixer, blend well. Taste and add more maple syrup if desired.
3. When cake is cooled, invert onto a sheet pan or large, flat plate. Frost the top and sides. Immediately before serving, sprinkle additional fresh dandelion flowers on top for garnish.

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