A Royal Treat: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Wedding Cake Recipe

Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of royal wedding cakes, specifically the stunning lemon elderflower cake from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s 2018 wedding. This cake was a refreshing departure from traditional fruitcakes, embodying the couple’s modern and personal touch. Let’s explore how you can recreate this royal masterpiece at home!

Cake Elements:

  1. Lemon Sponge Cake

  2. Elderflower Syrup

  3. Amalfi Lemon Curd

  4. Swiss Meringue Buttercream

  5. Fresh Flowers

1. Lemon Sponge Cake

The base of the cake is a light and moist lemon sponge, perfect for a spring celebration.

Ingredients:

  • 200g unsalted butter, softened

  • 200g caster sugar

  • 4 large eggs

  • 200g self-raising flour

  • Zest of 2 lemons

  • 2 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Batter: Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: Sift the flour and fold it into the butter mixture along with the lemon zest and juice.

  3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line cake tins with parchment paper. Divide the batter evenly between the tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

  4. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool completely in the tins before turning out.

2. Elderflower Syrup

This syrup adds moisture and a subtle floral flavor to the cake.

Ingredients:

  • 100ml elderflower cordial

  • 100ml water

  • 50g sugar

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the elderflower cordial, water, and sugar.

  2. Heat: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

  3. Cool: Allow the syrup to cool before using.

3. Amalfi Lemon Curd

A tangy lemon curd is used between the layers of the cake.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large egg yolks

  • 150g caster sugar

  • 100ml lemon juice

  • Zest of 2 lemons

  • 100g unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions:

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.

  2. Heat: Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

  3. Add Butter: Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted and smooth.

  4. Cool: Allow the curd to cool completely before using.

4. Swiss Meringue Buttercream

This smooth and satiny buttercream is infused with elderflower.

Ingredients:

  • 4 large egg whites

  • 200g caster sugar

  • 300g unsalted butter, softened

  • 2 tbsp elderflower cordial

Instructions:

  1. Heat Egg Whites and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, combine the egg whites and sugar. Place over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches 70°C (160°F).

  2. Whip: Remove from heat and beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form and the mixture is cool.

  3. Add Butter: Gradually add the butter, one piece at a time, beating until smooth and creamy. Stir in the elderflower cordial.

5. Fresh Flowers

The cake was adorned with 150 fresh flowers, including peonies and roses, adding a beautiful and natural touch.

Presentation:

  • Assemble the Cake: Layer the lemon sponge cakes with the Amalfi lemon curd between each layer. Drizzle each layer with elderflower syrup.

  • Frost: Coat the entire cake with Swiss meringue buttercream, smoothing it with a palette knife.

  • Decorate: Arrange fresh flowers on top and around the cake, ensuring they are pesticide-free and safe for food use.

A Fun Fact:

Did you know that the cake was nicknamed the “10,000-mile cake”? This was because many of its ingredients were sourced from across the Commonwealth, particularly Australia. This not only added a touch of international flair but also symbolized the unity and diversity of the Commonwealth nations.

Final Thoughts:

Recreating Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding cake is a delightful way to bring a touch of royal elegance to your own celebrations. Whether it’s for a wedding, anniversary, or just because, this cake is sure to impress your guests with its light, fresh flavors and stunning presentation.

Happy baking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aroma of lemon and elderflower!

Feel free to share your baking adventures and any questions you might have in the comments below. Until next time, happy baking!

Sergii Novak