Royal weddings have always been great spectacles, offering us a glimpse into the extravagant lives of royalty. These grand celebrations are not only about the wedding ceremony itself but also about the people, decorations, music, and of course, the food, especially the wedding cake.
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding was one such grand royal celebration that kept people across the world glued to their screens. While the bride’s dress and the couple’s first kiss stole most of the attention, the flavor of their wedding cake also deserves to be talked about. So, what flavor was Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake?
London-based Baker Claire Ptak and her team created a lemon elderflower cake for the royal couple’s wedding reception. The cake was decorated with buttercream frosting, fresh flowers, and garden roses, representing the couple’s chosen theme of “springtime and the outdoors.”
Claire Ptak, who grew up in California, was chosen to make the cake because of her reputation for using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and her organic and ethically sourced philosophy.
The cake itself was made of layers of sponge cake infused with elderflower syrup, sandwiched between layers of lemon curd and cream, before being layered with elderflower Swiss buttercream frosting. While elderflower may not be a popular flavor for wedding cakes, it was a favorite of Prince Harry, who wanted to include it in the wedding cake.
One of the reasons for choosing a lemon and elderflower flavor was that it is a lighter, fresher flavor and is perfect for spring and summer weddings. The cake’s floral design and the use of elderflower also supported the couple’s efforts to bring a sense of natural beauty and a nod to the environment.
The cake was made using traditional baking techniques and consisted of 200 Amalfi lemons, 500 organic eggs from Suffolk, 20kgs of butter, 20kgs of flour, and 20kgs of sugar. It was assembled in the Buckingham Palace kitchens, where highly skilled royal chefs helped Claire and her team prepare the cake and add the finishing touches.
It’s worth noting that royal wedding cakes tend to be taller and larger than most traditional wedding cakes, and Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake was no exception. The cake stood at three feet tall and consisted of three tiers, making it quite the centerpiece at the wedding reception.
The wedding cake was an essential part of Harry and Meghan’s wedding day, and its delicate flavor and beautiful decoration were a testament to their love for tradition, nature, and each other. Claire Ptak’s team did an exceptional job in creating the cake, perfect for the royal couple, and their choice of flavor will undoubtedly inspire future wedding cakes for years to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s lemon elderflower wedding cake was a unique and refreshing choice that stood out in the world of traditional royal wedding cakes. Claire Ptak and her team’s use of fresh, seasonal ingredients, and organic and ethically sourced products, perfectly complemented the couple’s efforts to incorporate natural beauty and environmental sustainability into their wedding day. The wedding cake was a symbol of their love and commitment to each other, and it will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the most memorable royal wedding cakes to date.
FAQ
What does elderflower taste like in cake?
Elderflower is a popular flavoring ingredient in cakes and desserts. It is a flowering plant that is native to Europe, and its flowers are known for their distinct floral and fruity aroma. Elderflower has a unique flavor profile that is often described as fresh, green, and slightly floral with subtle pear, lychee, and tropical nuances.
When added to cake batter, elderflower extract or syrup can contribute a delicate and refreshing flavor. The floral notes blend well with the sweetness of the cake and create a harmonious balance of flavors. Elderflower’s flavor profile is versatile, and it pairs well with many different ingredients, such as citrus fruits, berries, and vanilla.
Elderflower cake is a popular dessert during the spring and summer months, as elderflowers typically bloom during this time. It is often used as a centerpiece dessert for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, and garden parties. The cake’s beautiful texture and light floral taste complement the overall theme of these events. Additionally, elderflower’s light, refreshing flavor makes it a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
Elderflower has a unique, fresh, and slightly floral flavor profile that makes it an excellent addition to cakes. It is a versatile ingredient with a refreshing taste that complements various other flavors, such as berries, vanilla, and citrus fruits. Elderflower cake is a perfect dessert for special events, as it adds an elegant touch to the occasion.
What cake was served at the royal wedding?
When it comes to the royal wedding, the cake served is always one of the highlights of the event. So, what cake was served at the royal wedding could be a question that comes to your mind. Surprisingly, every British royal wedding, from Queen Victoria in 1840 to Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011, has served fruitcake. This tradition has been followed by the royal family for over a century and has become a symbol of wealth and extravagance.
The history of the fruitcake goes back to ancient Rome, where it was considered a luxury item. Made with premium ingredients such as dried fruits, nuts, and spices, fruitcake was a symbol of the abundance of the Roman Empire. The recipe for the fruitcake evolved over time, and by the middle ages, it had become a popular dessert in the courts of Europe. The royal courts would hold lavish banquets and serve fruitcake as a dessert to impress their guests.
The tradition of serving fruitcake at royal weddings began in the Victorian era when Queen Victoria herself served it at her wedding to Prince Albert in 1840. The cake was a five-foot-tall masterpiece made of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, and was covered in white icing. The cake was so large that it required two men to carry it. Since then, every British royal wedding has had a fruitcake.
The recipe for the royal fruitcake has evolved over time, and each family has its own unique recipe. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip served a fruitcake at their wedding in 1947, which was a stunning four-tiered cake made of currants, raisins, and cherries that had been soaked in rum. Prince Charles and Princess Diana served a fruitcake at their wedding in 1981, which was a five-foot-tall cake adorned with marzipan, royal icing, and roses.
Every British royal wedding has had a fruitcake, which has become a symbol of wealth and extravagance. The recipe for the royal fruitcake has been passed down from generation to generation, and each family has its own unique recipe. The fruitcake is a type of cake that has been a part of royal weddings for over a century and continues to be served today.
What does traditional wedding cake taste like?
The traditional wedding cake is a quintessential part of any wedding celebration. This dessert centerpiece often serves as the focal point of the reception and as such, it is an essential part of the wedding day. In terms of flavor, the traditional wedding cake has stood the test of time and is consistently a crowd-pleaser. The taste of the cake is light and sweet and typically features a vanilla or almond flavor. The icing on top is usually a buttercream or cream cheese frosting that enhances the sweetness of the cake.
When it comes to traditional wedding cakes, there is a wide range of flavors to choose from, depending on the ethnic background of the couple. For instance, in New Orleans, the traditional wedding cake usually has an almond flavor and is often filled with sweetened pineapple filling. This flavor is so popular that it has become a staple throughout the city, even for those who are not from the area. On the other hand, some cakes may feature fruit, such as strawberries or raspberries, while others may have chocolate or lemon flavors.
In terms of texture, the traditional wedding cake has a moist, spongy crumb that is difficult to resist. The texture is achieved by using baking powder or baking soda to give the cake a light and airy texture. Additionally, the cake’s sweetness is usually moderated to allow the natural flavors of the cake to come through. This produces a cake that is not overly sweet and can be enjoyed by all.
Finally, the traditional wedding cake is often decorated with ornaments or icing designs. Commonly, couples will choose to personalize the cake with their own unique flair. Flavors and decorations aside, the traditional wedding cake has remained an enduring symbol of the union between two people in love. It is a symbol of tradition, joy, and the joys of married life. Whether it is simple or elaborate, the traditional wedding cake is a lovely addition to any wedding celebration.
How would you describe the taste of elderflower?
Elderflower is a unique and versatile ingredient that has been gaining popularity in recent years for its distinct flavor profile. When it comes to describing the taste of elderflower, the first thing that comes to mind is freshness. Elderflower has a fresh and fruity taste that is refreshing and invigorating, similar to the freshness of a cool morning breeze.
In terms of flavor, elderflower has a soft and delicate taste. It has a subtle sweetness that is not overpowering, making it perfect for pairing with other flavors. The flavor profile of elderflower is often compared to that of pear, with its distinct fruity and floral notes. Additionally, it has a slightly citrusy taste, which adds a tangy and zesty note to its overall flavor profile.
Another unique characteristic of elderflower’s flavor is its tropical notes. Some people report tasting hints of lychee and other tropical fruits when consuming elderflower products. This flavor profile is what makes elderflower a popular ingredient in drinks such as cocktails and mocktails.
Other descriptors used to describe the taste of elderflower include herbaceous, grassy, and earthy. This is what gives elderflower its distinct flavor profile – a combination of fruity and floral notes with a hint of herby aftertaste.
Elderflower has a fresh, fruity, and soft taste with pear, citrus, and tropical notes. Its unique flavor profile comes from a combination of fruity and floral flavors with herbaceous and earthy undertones. elderflower offers a refreshing and intriguing taste that makes it a popular ingredient in many food and drink recipes.
What flavour is elderflower?
Elderflower is a plant that typically grows in the regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The plant produces a small, delicate, and fragrant white flower, which is widely used in various cuisines, particularly in European countries. The elderflower has a subtle and delicate flavour that is musky, slightly floral, and sweet with a hint of citrus. It is often described as having a mild, refreshing taste, which is not overpowering.
Although elderflowers have a mild flavour, they are a popular ingredient in many culinary dishes and alcoholic beverages. They are often used to flavour syrups, jams, cakes, ice creams, and even cocktails. Elderflower also pairs well with berries, citrus fruits, mint, and ginger to create unique and refreshing flavour combinations.
The taste of elderflower may vary depending on the variety. For example, the ‘Black Beauty’ variety of elderflower is known to have a distinct grape and lychee-like flavour. This makes it a popular choice for wine making, where it can add a unique and complex taste to the final product.
Elderflower may not have a strong or distinct flavour, but its subtle and refreshing taste is highly valued in culinary and beverage applications. The next time you come across elderflower in a recipe, don’t hesitate to try it out and experience its delicate and unique taste profile.