Elderflower recipes
As well as making a refreshing cordial, the aromatic, herby flavour of elderflower is perfect in pudding, jelly and cake recipes.
Scent can vary quite a bit between trees. When you’re foraging for elderflowers, make sure you sniff the flowers on a few different trees before picking – until you find some with a fresh-not-musty scent you love. Try to avoid trees near busy roads if you can. Take a pair of sharp scissors, a couple of large bags, and off you go! Read our tips on foraging for elderflower for more information.
Need ideas for what to make with your haul? Start with a classic elderflower cordial, which can then be used to fragrance a variety of recipes – from elderflower and cucumber prosecco cocktails to an elderflower, lemon and cherry cream cake.
Showing 1-16 of 32 recipes
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Elderflower
Elderflower drizzle cake
Lemon and elderflower are a match made in heaven, and this easy drizzle cake with fresh elderflowers proves it. The perfect bake for late spring.
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Easy
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Gooseberries
Elderflower and gooseberry tart
Delicate elderflower lifts tart gooseberries in this elegant riff on tarte au citron. This seasonal bake is the perfect late spring dessert.
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Medium
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Elderflower
Elderflower and pear shrub (drinking vinegar)
Elderflower shrub is the perfect spring drink. A fruity drinking vinegar, shrubs can be used like a cordial with soda water or in a cocktail.
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Easy
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Elderflower
Elderflower giardiniera (Italian-style pickled vegetables)
Giardiniera, colourful Italian pickles, are flavoured with fresh elderflowers, giving them a wonderfully sweet and floral flavour
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Easy
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Pavlova
Gooseberry and toasted coconut pavlova
This showpiece pavlova from food writer Angela Clutton anticipates summer's arrival, combining elderflowers and early-season gooseberries.
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Medium
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British puddings
Elderflower jellies with boozy cream
An effortless little pud (for grown-ups) these jellies are packed with the heady aromas of elderflower. Delightful!
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Easy
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Meringue
Strawberry, lemon and elderflower meringue
It doesn't get much more summery than this: crisp meringue topped with elderflower-spiked whipped cream and a pile of sweet strawberries.
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Easy
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Cocktails
Elderflower prosecco with cucumber
Complete any summer party with this light elderflower prosecco cocktail, garnished with cucumber ribbons for extra freshness.
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Easy
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Frozen dessert
Strawberry and elderflower sorbet
You won't find a more summery dessert than our strawberry and elderflower sorbet. It's the perfect refreshing treat to cool down with on a hot day.
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Easy
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Elderflower
Elderflower fizz
This bubbly elderflower drink is so easy to make. Light and fragrant, it’s a good alternative to shop-bought fizz and is low in alcohol (1.5V)
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Easy
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Pannacotta
Pannacotta with gooseberry and elderflower compote
A perfectly set, wobbling gooseberry pannacotta is a wonderful thing on a summer evening. Serve the creamy dessert with elderflower compote.
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Medium
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Strawberries
Strawberry and elderflower fool with lemon biscuits
You'd be a fool not to try these light, summery strawberry and elderflower desserts topped with moreish lemon biscuits - for your next dinner party?
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Easy
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Recipes to celebrate spring
Elderflower gin and tonic
A quick and easy cocktail recipe – try our springtime gin and tonic, made with elderflower liqueur and a sprig of fresh herbs.
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Easy
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August seasonal
Blackberry, mint and elderflower fool
When it's this easy, you'd be a fool not to try it. A simple, summer blackberry fool that looks impressive but requires minimal effort.
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Easy
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Elderflower
Elderflower, lemon and cherry cream flourless cake
This elderflower, lemon and cherry cream flourless cake with gorgeous pink topping and fresh cherries is a gluten-free celebration of summer.
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Easy
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Canapés and cocktails
Hugo cocktails
How to make a Hugo cocktail...Transport yourself to a summery evening in Northern Italy with a refreshing cocktail of prosecco, gin and elderflower cordial.
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Easy
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