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Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers: Which Should You Use?
• Lynsey Macdonald
Florals are always going to be a popular choice when it comes to cake decorating! From wedding cakes to birthday bakes, they offer a pop of colour, a nod to nature and a classic vibe, whatever the occasion. But deciding between fresh vs dried edible flowers can be tricky when you’re starting out.
In this post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of each option to help you decide what is right for your next bake.
Jump to:
Ease of use
Look
Cost
FAQ: Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers
Ease of use: Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers
There is actually a lot to consider when deciding between these two options - from the fear of poisoning guests (many fresh flowers are toxic) to how to attach the flowers to your cake!
Here are some ways dried edible flowers and fresh flowers differ in ease of use.
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Fresh flowers |
Dried Edible Flowers |
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Require a lot of prep |
Require very little prep |
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Research which options are food-safe and which are toxic. We have a list in our post “How to Safely Decorate a Cake with Fresh Flowers (And What to Avoid)”, but current guidelines must always be checked to protect all guests. |
Research which options are food-safe, but if you buy from a trusted brand like Nurtured in Norfolk, the packaging will make it clear. |
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Stems must be wrapped in florist tape. |
Many do not have stems, but those that do can be placed on the cake without wrapping. |
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Florist wire plus a Cake Pin or Flower Pic is needed to attach them to the cake. |
Simply press onto buttercream or attach to fondant with a little edible glue. |
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Must be added to the cake as close to the time of serving as possible to avoid any wilting. |
If kept at room temperature, dried flowers can be added to the cake a couple of days in advance. |
Look: Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers
When it comes to the look of the cake, there is no “better” option - it all comes down to your individual taste! So, if you’re considering the aesthetic of dried or fresh flowers, these are some of the pros and cons.
Pros of Fresh Flowers:
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Fresh flowers are a great choice for a more luxurious cake, adding that “wow” factor. They look beautiful on a wedding or celebration cake and feel more elegant and expensive. Fresh flowers are a classic design element.
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If you are creating a seasonal look, fresh flowers are a great choice - working with blooms from the specific time of year achieves that seasonal vibe effortlessly.
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If you are creating a multi-tier cake, fresh flowers can add depth and colour, since you can build them into a beautiful arrangement.
Cons of Fresh Flowers:
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If you add them too far in advance before revealing the cake, or the room you are serving the cake in is warm, the flowers will eventually begin to wilt and lose moisture.
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While stunning on larger cakes, many fresh flowers can feel overwhelming on a smaller bake like a cupcake or cookie.
Pros of Dried Edible Flowers:
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Dried edible flowers are extremely popular for nature-inspired cakes, quickly and easily giving a botanical look with less work required than fresh flowers.
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If your theme leans rustic or boho, dried flowers (alongside dried fruit slices) are a perfect choice. This look never really goes out of style.
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As well as being a pretty addition to a larger cake, their smaller size makes them ideal for adding to cupcakes, cookies, doughnuts and traybakes too.
Cons of Dried Edible Flowers:
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To make sure they look their best, you do have to be careful when attaching them - they are very delicate, so be sure not to crush or tear them when applying.
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If you are decorating a large cake, you will need quite a lot of them to get a cohesive look.
Cost: Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers
The bottom line? Dried edible flowers are a more budget-friendly option than fresh flowers.
Good-quality fresh flowers are expensive, making them an investment for cake decorating. So, it has to be something you really want in order for the money to be worth it.
Current pricing suggests you’d be looking at anywhere from £10 to £50 if you buy the flowers individually yourself, depending on the type and how many you need. If it is the look you have your heart set on, though, the beautiful result will be worth it!
Dried edible flowers are more cost-effective. For example, a pack of Nurtured in Norfolk’s Pressed Dried Violas is £6.95 and includes approximately 25 dried flowers.
FAQ: Fresh vs Dried Edible Flowers
Are all fresh flowers suitable for decorating a cake?
No, not all fresh flowers are food-safe. Many of them are toxic and must be avoided, which can be stressful when designing a cake. We advise looking up all current food-safety guidelines before adding flowers to any bake. There are a lot of common misconceptions - e.g. gypsophila (or “baby’s breath”) is not safe to use on cakes!
Do dried flowers look cheaper on a cake than fresh flowers?
Not at all. Dried edible flowers are a great choice if you’re working to a budget, without compromising on the look. While fresh flowers feel more luxurious, dried flowers give a beautiful, boho look that still leans into the floral theme, without breaking the bank.
Can I use faux flowers instead of fresh flowers on a wedding cake?
Absolutely! Silk flowers (or alternatives) are a lovely addition to a celebration or wedding cake and help avoid the toxicity dilemma. However, you still need to wrap the stems in florist tape and insert them into the cake using a Cake Pin or Flower Pic to meet food safety guidelines.
Can I make my own sugar flowers to decorate a cake?
Absolutely. However, making effective, realistic-looking sugar flowers takes skill and experience! If you have the time to take a course, it can be a really excellent string to your cake decorating bow. But if it’s a last-minute cake project, dried or fresh flowers will be less time-consuming and give more effortless results.
Shop our Dried Edible Flowers range now!
Whatever type of flowers you choose to go with, a floral cake design will always be a winner. A classic look that never loses its charm - we can’t wait to see the stunning designs you come up with.
Share your bakes with us, as always, at @the_cake_decorating_co and use the hashtag #CakeDecFamous, for a chance to be featured.
Related
How to Safely Decorate a Cake with Fresh Flowers (And What to Avoid)
