Hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, is usually an indication that spring has arrived! It’s that time of year when people in Japan flock in droves to the parks to appreciate the beauty of the sakura or cherry blossoms. The age old practice of admiring the beautiful flowers has existed for centuries. For the Japanese, it is known to have started in the Nara Period (710-794) when the custom was limited to the Imperial court but it soon spread to the common Japanese people and then the world!
Cherry blossoms have since become more than just being admired for their beauty, they have become a coveted ingredient for baking pastries. They literally “look good enough to eat!” I don’t know who the person was who had the idea that cherry blossoms could be yummy, but he (she?) sure was enterprising!
Many Japanese pastry shops proudly display eye-popping (and later, gut-popping) creations that are at most times too pretty to eat. As the saying goes, “you not just eat with your mouth, but with your eyes as well.” Truth be told, eating something aesthetically pleasing as well as delicious makes double the pleasure.
The good news is that anyone with a bit of basic baking skills can make such delectable goodies that use cherry blossoms. (Remember our petit fours? from March) All you need are a few choice ingredients such as a good sponge cake recipe, some sakura extract (or syrup), and matcha (green tea) to bring out the natural color of your creation. The sakura and matcha give that hint of exotic taste that no other ingredient can provide. After sinking our teeth into this cake (which we bought) we liked it so much that we wanted to duplicate it.
Cherry blossoms are usually available all year round because of the pickling process that only involves salt. The taste is surprising similar to pickled plums with a hint of tangy sourness. It isn’t at all flowery, it’s rather pleasant, and the outcome looks amazing!
{What You'll Need}
1.
Matcha Powder Or
From Japan.
2.
Pickled Cherry Blossoms.
Other Options.
3.
Cherry Blossom Syrup (you can reduce this to bring out more of an extract than syrup)
Recipe Adapted from Cookpad Japan
Cherry Blossom & Matcha Adzuki Layer Cake (Entremet)
For the Sponge Cake
Matcha
1 egg
40g of Sugar
30g cake flour
1 tablespoon milk
10g of Butter
5-10 grams of matcha powder
Sakura
1 egg
40g of Sugar
30g cake flour
1 tablespoon milk
10g of Butter
1 teaspoon of cherry blossom essence
or Cherry Blossom Leaf Powder
All Natural Pink Food Coloring (from plants)
Directions for Sponge Cake
Beat the egg white from one egg, slowly adding the 10 grams of sugar until it reaches a stiff peak.
Mix in the yellow egg by cutting the Egg white batter but not mixing. Warm the milk and butter (and flour) in the range (microwave). Add this to the batter along with the flour and mix well.
Line a pound cake pan, pour the batter into the pan and tap it a few times to release any bubbles. Bake at 170c for 20-25 minutes. Remove from the tin and allow the cake to cool.
Set aside on your cutting board and cut the cake evenly into three slices.
Sakura and Matcha Adzuki Cream
100g of fresh whipping cream
10 Sugar
All natural pink food coloring.
3g of Cherry Blossom Leaf Powder or Cherry Blossom Essence.
Beat on High.
Matcha Adzuki Cream
100g of fresh whipping cream
10 Sugar
15 grams of matcha powder
Beat on High.
Fold three tablespoons of adzuki beans (sweetened adzuki beans from a can).
Simple Syrup for the Layers
30g of water
10g of sugar
Directions: Dissolve sugar in water on range until it reaches a boiling point, remove.
Assembling the Cake
Taking the appropriate amount of simple syrup coat each layer with a pastry brush. Matcha Sponge for the bottom layer, then apply the Matcha Cream with Adzuki to the first layer. Add the Sakura Layer (sponge), apply some simple syrup, then add the Sakura Cream.
You can apply the white topping with an open tip, top with a single pickled Cherry Blossom Flower, or use the Mont Blanc tip to apply the top layer with the Sakura cream, feel free to be creative here. You can dress with a few adzuki beans, sprinkle match powder, etc.
Photography Data:
Featured
Marie Cinq-Mars
NIKON D7000
F 5.6
Focal Length 105
Exposure Time: 1/30
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
May 8, 2012 at 12:16 pm //
What a beautiful cake. And I’m totally in love with the marriage of flavors with the cherry blossoms and matcha. Well done!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:33 pm //
Thank you so much Chung-Ah!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious
May 8, 2012 at 12:16 pm //
What a beautiful cake. And I’m totally in love with the marriage of flavors with the cherry blossoms and matcha. Well done!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:33 pm //
Thank you so much Chung-Ah!
Gail
May 8, 2012 at 2:09 pm //
What a simply stunning looking cake! And gorgeous photos too, thank you for sharing.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you so much Gail.
Gail
May 8, 2012 at 2:09 pm //
What a simply stunning looking cake! And gorgeous photos too, thank you for sharing.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you so much Gail.
Susie
May 8, 2012 at 2:42 pm //
This cake is beautiful… I love the colors and the flavors sound wonderful.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you Susie.
Susie
May 8, 2012 at 2:42 pm //
This cake is beautiful… I love the colors and the flavors sound wonderful.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you Susie.
abby @ thingsforboys
May 8, 2012 at 4:48 pm //
oh wow! The picture loaded really slowly and it was like ultimate food porn! What a gorgeous looking cake. If you need anyone to test it, I’d be happy for you to send me a slice ;)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thanks so much Abby = )
abby @ thingsforboys
May 8, 2012 at 4:48 pm //
oh wow! The picture loaded really slowly and it was like ultimate food porn! What a gorgeous looking cake. If you need anyone to test it, I’d be happy for you to send me a slice ;)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thanks so much Abby = )
Rathai
May 8, 2012 at 6:48 pm //
What a beautiful, tempting and delicious-looking cake! I really need to get this cherry blossom flavour somehow. I think it would come to good use. :)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you Rathai!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Oh the closest in flavor is hibiscus http://www.amazon.com/Monin-Flavored-Hibiscus-33-8-Ounce-Plastic/dp/B004L6FQLC by Monin. You may want to reduce the syrup a bit.
Rathai
May 8, 2012 at 6:48 pm //
What a beautiful, tempting and delicious-looking cake! I really need to get this cherry blossom flavour somehow. I think it would come to good use. :)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Thank you Rathai!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:32 pm //
Oh the closest in flavor is hibiscus http://www.amazon.com/Monin-Flavored-Hibiscus-33-8-Ounce-Plastic/dp/B004L6FQLC by Monin. You may want to reduce the syrup a bit.
Migle
May 8, 2012 at 7:16 pm //
It looks sooo incredibly amazing!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thank you Migle.
Migle
May 8, 2012 at 7:16 pm //
It looks sooo incredibly amazing!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thank you Migle.
Peggy
May 8, 2012 at 9:19 pm //
This cake definitely does look too pretty to eat! Almost =)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thank you Peggy.
Peggy
May 8, 2012 at 9:19 pm //
This cake definitely does look too pretty to eat! Almost =)
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Thank you Peggy.
Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen
May 8, 2012 at 9:42 pm //
This got to be one of those “too good to be eaten” food. There’s so many ingredients i can’t get, especially the cherry blossoms.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Hey Jessica, what I’ve found which is the closest in flavor to the cherry blossom is hibiscus. http://www.amazon.com/Monin-Flavored-Hibiscus-33-8-Ounce-Plastic/dp/B004L6FQLC you can buy this through Monin, you might want to reduce the syrup a bit more over the range until it gives you the flavor and taste you one.
Jesica @ Pencil Kitchen
May 8, 2012 at 9:42 pm //
This got to be one of those “too good to be eaten” food. There’s so many ingredients i can’t get, especially the cherry blossoms.
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:31 pm //
Hey Jessica, what I’ve found which is the closest in flavor to the cherry blossom is hibiscus. http://www.amazon.com/Monin-Flavored-Hibiscus-33-8-Ounce-Plastic/dp/B004L6FQLC you can buy this through Monin, you might want to reduce the syrup a bit more over the range until it gives you the flavor and taste you one.
Joanne
May 8, 2012 at 9:44 pm //
I had no idea that cherry blossoms were actually edible! I would say this looks too pretty to eat…but it also looks too delicious not to!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:28 pm //
Yes they are, but only certain one’s so don’t pick any and pickle them = ) “wink”
Joanne
May 8, 2012 at 9:44 pm //
I had no idea that cherry blossoms were actually edible! I would say this looks too pretty to eat…but it also looks too delicious not to!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:28 pm //
Yes they are, but only certain one’s so don’t pick any and pickle them = ) “wink”
Eva @ Eva Bakes
May 8, 2012 at 11:11 pm //
Wow – what a gorgeous cake! I bet it tastes delicious!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:28 pm //
Thank you Eva!
Eva @ Eva Bakes
May 8, 2012 at 11:11 pm //
Wow – what a gorgeous cake! I bet it tastes delicious!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:28 pm //
Thank you Eva!
Cassie
May 9, 2012 at 1:19 am //
This is an absolutely stunning cake!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Thanks Cassie = )
Cassie
May 9, 2012 at 1:19 am //
This is an absolutely stunning cake!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Thanks Cassie = )
Chris
May 9, 2012 at 3:29 am //
The cake looks really great, can I have a piec of it?
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Yes you can Chris =)
Chris
May 9, 2012 at 3:29 am //
The cake looks really great, can I have a piec of it?
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Yes you can Chris =)
Deb
May 9, 2012 at 11:56 am //
What an amazing cake! The soft hued layers of pink and green evoke the magic of spring and annual rite of welcoming the cherry blossoms. A most enjoyable post!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Thank you Deb.
Deb
May 9, 2012 at 11:56 am //
What an amazing cake! The soft hued layers of pink and green evoke the magic of spring and annual rite of welcoming the cherry blossoms. A most enjoyable post!
myfudo
May 9, 2012 at 4:27 pm //
Thank you Deb.
Ridwan
May 9, 2012 at 7:55 pm //
What a beautiful color on this cake,looks so stunning,and YUMMY,,the matcha adzuki cream sound really yummy,welldone !!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you Ridwan = )
Ridwan
May 9, 2012 at 7:55 pm //
What a beautiful color on this cake,looks so stunning,and YUMMY,,the matcha adzuki cream sound really yummy,welldone !!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you Ridwan = )
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
May 9, 2012 at 9:09 pm //
Such a gorgeous and sophisticated treat! Almost too pretty to eat :)
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you Kayle = )
Kayle (The Cooking Actress)
May 9, 2012 at 9:09 pm //
Such a gorgeous and sophisticated treat! Almost too pretty to eat :)
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you Kayle = )
The Café Sucré Farine
May 9, 2012 at 9:37 pm //
This is just breathtakingly beautiful and sounds uniquely delicious! I love recipes that aren’t the same old, same old!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you so much = )
The Café Sucré Farine
May 9, 2012 at 9:37 pm //
This is just breathtakingly beautiful and sounds uniquely delicious! I love recipes that aren’t the same old, same old!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:32 pm //
Thank you so much = )
Emma
May 9, 2012 at 10:04 pm //
Beautiful cake! So pretty – I can imagine it served in a high tea with lovely china and things.
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:33 pm //
Absolutely Emma = ) Thank you!
Emma
May 9, 2012 at 10:04 pm //
Beautiful cake! So pretty – I can imagine it served in a high tea with lovely china and things.
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:33 pm //
Absolutely Emma = ) Thank you!
smitten by food
May 9, 2012 at 11:12 pm //
The color of the cake looks so pretty! Love your photography skills =) Nice meeting u!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:33 pm //
Thank you, and lovely to meet you as well = )
smitten by food
May 9, 2012 at 11:12 pm //
The color of the cake looks so pretty! Love your photography skills =) Nice meeting u!
myfudo
May 10, 2012 at 2:33 pm //
Thank you, and lovely to meet you as well = )
kitchenriffs
May 10, 2012 at 12:57 am //
Wow, what an interesting recipe! And absolutely gorgeous – your photos are always quite good, but these are great. Wonderful post – thanks.
kitchenriffs
May 10, 2012 at 12:57 am //
Wow, what an interesting recipe! And absolutely gorgeous – your photos are always quite good, but these are great. Wonderful post – thanks.
Cucina49
May 10, 2012 at 2:46 am //
Wow, this is stunning! Eat with the eyes indeed. Colorful layered desserts are always gorgeous, and this one is no exception.
Cucina49
May 10, 2012 at 2:46 am //
Wow, this is stunning! Eat with the eyes indeed. Colorful layered desserts are always gorgeous, and this one is no exception.
Honey What's Cooking
May 10, 2012 at 5:21 am //
you take the most decadent pictures.. this looks insane. love the matcha layer cake idea.
Honey What's Cooking
May 10, 2012 at 5:21 am //
you take the most decadent pictures.. this looks insane. love the matcha layer cake idea.
Mary
May 10, 2012 at 1:25 pm //
I adore match even though it costs a small fortune. I had not idea that cherry blossoms were edible. Love the creativity and just plain fantastic ingredients in this!
Mary
May 10, 2012 at 1:25 pm //
I adore match even though it costs a small fortune. I had not idea that cherry blossoms were edible. Love the creativity and just plain fantastic ingredients in this!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
May 11, 2012 at 11:38 am //
This is just stunning!!!
myfudo
May 11, 2012 at 6:28 pm //
Thanks so much Stephanie!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love.
May 11, 2012 at 11:38 am //
This is just stunning!!!
myfudo
May 11, 2012 at 6:28 pm //
Thanks so much Stephanie!
veronica gantley
May 12, 2012 at 9:13 am //
Gosh that cake looks great. I will have to try it soon. Thanks for sharing with us.
veronica gantley
May 12, 2012 at 9:13 am //
Gosh that cake looks great. I will have to try it soon. Thanks for sharing with us.
torviewtoronto
May 18, 2012 at 2:36 am //
cake looks beautiful
torviewtoronto
May 18, 2012 at 2:36 am //
cake looks beautiful