Tips for Cake Decorating with Edible Flowers
Transform a simple cake into a stunning centerpiece with edible flowers. This step-by-step guide to cake decorating with edible flowers will show you how to create a beautiful floral pattern on your cake, perfect for any celebration.
Looking to give your cake a show-stopping makeover? Decorating with edible flowers is one of the easiest ways to transform a simple dessert into a stunning, garden-inspired masterpiece. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a bridal shower, or just want to try something new, this nature-forward cake decorating idea is as beautiful as it is beginner-friendly.
Not only do edible flowers add a burst of color and texture, but they also bring a touch of elegance without needing advanced piping skills or fancy tools. I, Carly will walk you through how to choose safe, food-grade flowers, how to prep and arrange them on your cake, and a few creative tips to make your design truly one-of-a-kind. You’ll also find helpful ideas from our favorite floral-themed projects, like our sugar flower cake and paper flower cake topper for more botanical dessert inspiration.
Whether you’re working with a homemade cake or dressing up a store-bought one, this tutorial proves that a little flower power goes a long way.
Materials and Tools
- Two-tiered layered cakes — We used a 6” and 8” round cake. You can purchase undecorated cakes from your local bakery to save time.
- 2 packages of edible flowers and fresh herbs — Available at most specialty grocers and online at Etsy and Amazon.
- Tweezers — For precise placement
- Cake stand — The one used in this tutorial is from Anthropologie. There are lots of fun DIY cake stand ideas.
Choosing the Right Edible Flowers
Not all flowers are safe to eat, so it’s crucial to select edible varieties that are free from pesticides. Always source your edible flowers from reputable suppliers or grow them organically yourself. There are lots of delicious edible flower recipes to incorporate into your meals. Some popular edible flowers include:
- Pansies
- Violas
- Nasturtiums
- Calendula
- Borage
- Chamomile
Play with shapes and sizes:
Combine small blooms (like violas or borage) with larger statement flowers (like nasturtiums or pansies) to create dimension and interest.
Think about your color palette:
Stick to a few complementary shades to keep your cake cohesive and visually striking—pastels for spring, bold tones for summer, or soft neutrals for weddings.
Decorating Your Cake
1 — Prepare your cake: Ensure your cake is frosted and chilled. For added stability, insert a few bamboo skewers into the center of the bottom cake, and carefully stack the smaller tier on top.
2 — Plan your design: Decide on a pattern—whether it’s a floral wreath, a cascading effect, or a random abstract design. One quick tip: Larger flowers with the stem base still attached can leave noticeable holes in the cake if you try to reposition them. So it’s best to place those with intention and avoid moving them if possible.
3 — Place the flowers: Using tweezers, gently place each flower onto the cake, pressing lightly to adhere.
4 — Add fresh herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like mint or rosemary for added texture and aroma. We added small mint and sage leaves throughout to give the cake a fresh, colorful finishing touch. Just a few sprigs can really make the whole design pop!
Tips for Cake Decorating with Edible Flowers
- Source safely: Only use flowers that are labeled as edible and have been grown without pesticides. Avoid using flowers from florists or grocery stores unless they are specifically marked as edible.
- Preparation: Wash the flowers gently in cool water and dry them on a clean towel before use. Remove any inedible parts, such as stems and pistils, to ensure safety.
- Use flowers as accents, not the main course: While they’re edible, most flowers are used more for aesthetics than taste. Place them strategically for visual impact rather than overwhelming the flavor profile.
- Add flowers close to serving time: Edible flowers can wilt or discolor if left on too long. Decorate shortly before serving to keep your cake looking vibrant and fresh.
- Press or sugar the flowers for different looks: Pressed flowers add a delicate, vintage touch, while sugared (candied) petals give sparkle and subtle crunch.
- Use a food-safe glaze or piping gel: To make flowers stick (and shine!), use a tiny dab of piping gel or edible glaze—especially helpful for vertical sides of cakes.
- Storage: Decorate the cake shortly before serving to maintain the freshness and appearance of the flowers. Store any unused edible flowers in the refrigerator to prolong their shelf life.
More Ways to Spruce Up a Cake
For more ways to decorate a cake, check out a few of our favorite hacks below —
- How to Make a Watercolor Cake
- Cake Painting Tutorial
- Mini Brushstrokes Confetti Cake
- Homemade Edible Confetti
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