From syrup to pastries: 5 ways to bake with honeysuckle
What's the story
Honeysuckle, that sweetly fragrant flower of childhood memories, holds the secret to some seriously delicious (and totally Instagram-worthy) vegan desserts. This article will share five creative ways to use honeysuckle in your baking adventures. Whether you're making a simple syrup or a fancy pastry, honeysuckle is about to turn your dessert game up a notch!
Syrup
Honeysuckle simple syrup for sweetening
To prepare honeysuckle simple syrup, combine a cup of sugar and a cup of water in a saucepan, and bring to a simmer. Stir in two cups of honeysuckle flowers, let it steep for 24 hours, and then strain. The syrup is great for sweetening teas, lemonades or as a drizzle over fruit.
Ice cream
Vegan honeysuckle ice cream
Vegan honeysuckle ice cream is a sweet and refreshing treat that embodies the spirit of summer. Begin by creating a custard base with coconut milk, your freshly made honeysuckle syrup, and a stabilizer such as arrowroot powder or agar-agar. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker until it achieves the perfect creamy consistency. Freeze for a minimum of four hours prior to serving.
Truffles
Honeysuckle-infused chocolate truffles
For a classy dessert, make honeysuckle-infused chocolate truffles. Heat some coconut cream and pour it over finely chopped dark chocolate. Stir until it's all melted and smooth. Add a tablespoon of your honeysuckle syrup and mix well. Let it cool until it's firm enough to roll into balls. Coat them with cocoa powder or vegan sprinkles for some extra pizzazz.
Popsicles
Honeysuckle lemonade popsicles
Mix your homemade honeysuckle syrup with fresh lemon juice and water to create a refreshing popsicle base. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze until solid. These popsicles deliver a cooling treat on hot days, with the added bonus of subtle floral notes that elevate the classic lemonade flavor.
Baking
Baked goods with honeysuckle glaze
Infuse the essence of honeysuckles into your baked goods by making a simple glaze with powdered sugar and your homemade honeysuckle syrup. Drizzle this glaze over warm scones, muffins, or cakes for added moisture and a touch of exquisite floral sweetness. It pairs beautifully with a range of flavors, particularly shining alongside citrus or berry elements in your recipes.