Baking Harry & Meghan’s Lemon Elderflower Wedding Cake

Discover how to recreate the royal wedding cake with zesty lemon and delicate elderflower flavors.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Aug 1, 2025

Discover how to recreate the royal wedding cake with zesty lemon and delicate elderflower flavors.

The Royal Wedding Cake: Lemon and Elderflower

When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle tied the knot in May 2018, their wedding was not only a celebration of love but also a showcase of modern royal style. One of the most talked-about elements of the day was their wedding cake—a stunning lemon and elderflower creation that broke from tradition and captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere. This article dives into the story behind the cake, the woman who created it, and how you can recreate this royal treat in your own kitchen.

The Story Behind the Cake

For generations, royal weddings have featured rich fruitcakes, often adorned with marzipan and royal icing. But Harry and Meghan wanted something different—a cake that reflected their personalities and the season. They chose a lemon and elderflower cake, a fresh and vibrant option that stood out from the usual royal fare.

The couple’s decision was both personal and symbolic. Lemon is bright and zesty, while elderflower brings a delicate floral note. Together, these flavors evoke the freshness of spring, making the cake a perfect fit for their May wedding. The cake was designed by Claire Ptak, a pastry chef and owner of Violet Bakery in East London, who was personally selected by the couple for her innovative approach to baking.

Meet Claire Ptak: The Baker Behind the Cake

Claire Ptak is no ordinary baker. Born in California and now based in London, Ptak has built a reputation for her creative, seasonal cakes and her commitment to using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. Her bakery, Violet, is known for its elegant yet approachable desserts, and her work has been featured in numerous publications.

Ptak’s connection to Meghan Markle goes back years. Meghan, a longtime fan of Violet Bakery, even interviewed Ptak for her lifestyle blog, The Tig. When it came time to choose a baker for their wedding, the couple reached out to Ptak directly. According to Ptak, the process was collaborative—she presented six different cake options, and Harry and Meghan ultimately chose the lemon and elderflower flavor.

“I want [the cake] to be remembered for its delicate balance of sweet, bright lemons from the Amalfi Coast of Italy and the heady fragrance of Elderflower which permeates London’s streets and country lanes at that time of year,” Ptak wrote in her cookbook, Love Is a Pink Cake.

How the Cake Was Made

The royal wedding cake was a true labor of love. Ptak and her team created four large display cakes, as well as enough bite-sized pieces to serve 800 guests at the reception. The cake was made in the kitchens at Buckingham Palace and then transported to Windsor Castle for the big day.

The recipe calls for:

Amalfi lemons (for their bright, sweet flavor)
Organic eggs from Suffolk
Butter, flour, and sugar in generous quantities
Elderflower cordial from the Queen’s Sandringham estate

The cake itself is a light and fluffy sponge, infused with lemon zest and juice. The elderflower flavor is added through a syrup or cordial, which is brushed over the cake layers or incorporated into the icing. The result is a cake that is both refreshing and indulgent, with a perfect balance of citrus and floral notes.

Why Lemon and Elderflower?

The choice of lemon and elderflower was not just about flavor—it was also about seasonality and symbolism. Elderflower is a small, fragrant white flower that blooms in the UK and Northern Europe in the spring and early summer. Its delicate aroma and subtle sweetness make it a popular ingredient in British desserts and drinks.

Lemon, on the other hand, brings a bright, zesty kick that cuts through the richness of the cake. Together, the two flavors create a harmonious balance that is both refreshing and elegant. The cake’s light color and floral notes also made it a perfect match for the wedding’s garden-inspired decor, which featured white peonies, roses, and green foliage.

How to Recreate the Cake at Home

If you’re inspired to bake your own version of Harry and Meghan’s wedding cake, here are some tips to get you started:

Start with a light and fluffy sponge cake recipe. Incorporate lemon zest and juice into the batter for that tangy kick.
For the elderflower component, use elderflower cordial or syrup. You can brush it over the cake layers or mix it into your buttercream.
Fill the cake with layers of lemon curd and cream for extra richness.
Decorate with fresh flowers, such as elderflower blossoms or edible flowers, to give it a garden-inspired look.

Here’s a simple recipe to try:

Ingredient	Amount
Butter	200g
Sugar	200g
Flour	200g
Eggs	4
Lemon zest	2 lemons
Lemon juice	2 lemons
Elderflower cordial	100ml

FAQs About the Royal Wedding Cake

What is elderflower?

Elderflower is a small, fragrant white flower that blooms in the UK and Northern Europe in the spring and early summer. It is often used in desserts, drinks, and cordials for its delicate floral flavor.

Can I use store-bought elderflower cordial?

Yes, many brands make elderflower cordial, such as Belvoir Elderflower Pressé. These are widely available and work well in baking.

Is the cake difficult to make?

The cake is not overly complicated, but it does require attention to detail, especially when it comes to balancing the flavors and decorating the cake. With a good recipe and some patience, you can create a beautiful and delicious cake at home.

What other flavors go well with lemon and elderflower?

Lemon and elderflower pair well with vanilla, cream, and other floral notes. You can also add a touch of honey or lavender for extra depth.

Why the Cake Was So Special

Harry and Meghan’s lemon and elderflower cake was more than just a dessert—it was a statement. By choosing a fresh, modern cake over the traditional fruitcake, the couple signaled their desire to break from royal convention and create a wedding that felt personal and meaningful.

The cake also highlighted the importance of seasonality and local ingredients. Ptak’s use of Amalfi lemons, Suffolk eggs, and Sandringham elderflower cordial emphasized the connection between food, place, and tradition. The result was a cake that was not only delicious but also deeply symbolic.

Conclusion

The lemon and elderflower cake chosen by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle for their royal wedding is a flavor combination that has captured the hearts and taste buds of many. Its refreshing citrus tang and delicate floral sweetness make it a perfect choice for spring and special occasions. Whether you’re a fan of the royal couple or simply looking for a unique and delicious cake flavor, the lemon and elderflower cake is sure to delight.

With Claire Ptak’s recipe and a little creativity, you can bring a touch of royal elegance to your own kitchen. So why not try baking this iconic cake for your next celebration? It’s a delicious way to honor tradition while making something new and memorable.