Delicious and Nutritious Home-Grown Pansy Recipes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups of white sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
  • 5 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of fresh pansies, petals only
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar for decoration

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix just until incorporated.
  4. Finely chop the pansy petals and fold them into the batter.
  5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  6. Sprinkle the top with the 2 tablespoons of sugar.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Replace the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
  • Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a hint of citrus flavor.
  • Instead of pansies, use other edible flowers such as violets or lavender.
  • Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or margarine for a dairy-free option.
  • Add a layer of sliced strawberries or peaches on top of the batter before baking for a fruity twist.
  • Create a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, and butter, then sprinkle it over the batter before baking.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
  • Make it a chocolate pansy cake by adding 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the batter and reducing the flour by 1/2 cup.
  • Experiment with different extracts such as almond or coconut instead of vanilla for unique flavors.
  • Top the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.

Recipe overview

Get ready to be fascinated by this unique and delightful Pansy Cake recipe! It's a charming and delicious dessert that we're certain you're going to adore. You might be surprised to learn that pansies are not only beautiful, but they're also edible, and can add a subtle sweetness to your dishes. This recipe combines the sweetness of pansies with a moist, tender cake that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a unique centerpiece for a garden party, or just want to brighten up a regular day with something special, this cake is the perfect choice. And don't worry, it's not just about the looks - the flavor is absolutely delightful too! So, let's put on our aprons and bake some floral magic!

Common questions

  1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
    No, it's best to use unsalted butter in this recipe to have better control over the salt content.
  2. Can I substitute the white sugar with brown sugar?
    No, the white sugar provides the desired sweetness and texture for this recipe.
  3. Can I use a different type of flower instead of pansies?
    No, pansies have a delicate flavor and are specifically chosen for this recipe. Substituting with a different flower may alter the taste and texture.
  4. Do I have to chop the pansy petals finely?
    Yes, finely chopping the pansy petals ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  5. Can I use a different size baking pan?
    It's best to use a 9x13 inch baking pan as specified in the recipe. Using a different size may affect the baking time and results.
  6. Can I omit the decoration of sugar on top?
    Yes, the sugar decoration on top is optional. It adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal but can be skipped if desired.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining and mixing the ingredients.
  • Electric Mixer - To cream the butter and sugar, and to mix the batter until smooth.
  • Spatula - For smoothing the batter in the baking pan.
  • Baking Pan (9x13 inch) - The pan in which the batter will be baked.
  • Wire Rack - Used for cooling the cake after baking.

Origin stories

The use of edible flowers in cooking dates back thousands of years. The Romans, Greeks, and Chinese all incorporated flowers into their meals, and the Victorians used candied flowers to decorate cakes and pastries. The use of pansies in particular is attributed to their vibrant colors and mild, minty flavor. The petals of pansies are often used in salads and desserts, but their incorporation in a pound cake, as in this recipe, is a delightful twist. This cake is not just a treat to the palate, but also a feast for the eyes with the myriad of colors the pansy petals bring to the table. The tradition of using pansies in cooking has been passed from generation to generation and continues to be a charming and delicate way of adding a touch of nature to our food.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.