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Summer Solstice Lemon Elderflower Loaf: A Bright and Fragrant Delight for Celebrations

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 10 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

The Summer Solstice Lemon Elderflower Loaf is a tender, citrus-infused cake made with fresh lemon zest, lemon juice, and elderflower cordial. The loaf has a soft, airy texture, enhanced by sour cream or Greek yogurt, which keeps it moist and perfectly balanced with the floral elderflower flavor. The addition of a homemade lemon-elderflower syrup and a light glaze gives it a refreshing finish, making each bite a perfect blend of floral and citrus notes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Loaf

  • 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ¼ tsp baking soda

  • ¼ tsp salt

  • ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

  • ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar

  • 2 large eggs, room temperature

  • 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest (about 1 large lemon)

  • 2 tbsp elderflower cordial (e.g., St-Germain or Belvoir)

  • ½ cup (120 ml) sour cream or Greek yogurt

  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

For the Lemon-Elderflower Syrup

  • 2 tbsp elderflower cordial

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp sugar

For the Glaze

  • ¾ cup (90 g) powdered sugar, sifted

  • 1 tbsp elderflower cordial

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (adjust for consistency)

  • Optional: edible flowers, lemon zest curls, or fresh thyme for garnish 🌸

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

  • Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. Make the Batter

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  2. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).

  3. Beat in eggs, one at a time, followed by lemon zest, elderflower cordial, and vanilla.

  4. Add the dry ingredients in two additions, alternating with sour cream and lemon juice, mixing gently just until combined.

3. Bake

  • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

  • Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

  • Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

4. Brush with Syrup

While loaf is still warm:

  1. Combine elderflower cordial, lemon juice, and sugar in a small saucepan or bowl until sugar dissolves.

  2. Brush the syrup evenly over the warm loaf to soak in.

  3. Let cool completely before glazing.

5. Glaze & Decorate

  1. Whisk together powdered sugar, elderflower cordial, and lemon juice until smooth and pourable.

  2. Drizzle over cooled loaf, letting it run down the sides.

  3. Garnish with edible flowers, fresh herbs, or lemon zest for a sunlit, solstice-worthy finish. 🌼

Notes

This Summer Solstice Lemon Elderflower Loaf captures the bright, floral essence of the season. For an elegant touch, drizzle with a light elderflower glaze and decorate with edible flowers or lemon zest before serving. Perfect for sunny gatherings or afternoon tea!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 290

Keywords: Summer Solstice Lemon Elderflower Loaf

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/summer-solstice-lemon-elderflower-loaf-recipe/