grow a garden cake recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
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The Best grow a garden cake recipe

I have been making this grow a garden cake for years and it is a favorite in our house. My kids love helping me decorate it with fresh herbs and edible flowers from our backyard. It is a simple vanilla cake that looks like a little garden patch and it is perfect for spring parties or just a fun weekend baking project. The cake itself is light and fluffy and I use a cream cheese frosting that is not too sweet. It is a great way to get the kids excited about gardening and eating something homemade. I love that it uses basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. This recipe always gets compliments and it is so easy to customize with whatever flowers or herbs you have on hand.

Grow a Garden Cake

4.7 from 1415 votes

A vanilla cake decorated to look like a garden patch with cream cheese frosting, fresh herbs, and edible flowers. This fun and simple cake is perfect for spring celebrations or family baking projects.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cake

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter softened
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk

For the Frosting

8 oz cream cheese softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
4 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp milk if needed

For Decoration

2 tbsp fresh mint leaves
2 tbsp fresh basil leaves
1/2 cup edible flowers like pansies or violets
1 tbsp cocoa powder for dirt

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan and set aside.
2In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
5Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
6Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake for 28 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a rack.
7For the frosting, beat cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating until fluffy. Add milk if needed for spreading consistency.
8Spread frosting over cooled cake. Sprinkle cocoa powder over the top to look like dirt. Arrange mint and basil leaves to look like plants and place edible flowers on top.

🔧Equipment

9×13 inch baking pan
Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Spatula
Cooling rack
Piping bag optional

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 52g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 5g

📝Notes

Tips: Use any edible flowers you like. If you do not have fresh herbs, you can use small sprigs of rosemary or thyme. The cake can be made a day ahead and frosted just before serving.

Watch Video Of How Grow a Garden Cake Works

This grow a garden cake is always a hit at my family gatherings and spring parties. It is a fun way to celebrate the season and get everyone talking about gardening. I hope you try it and make it your own.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grow a Garden Cake

1. Can I use a different type of cake for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any vanilla or yellow cake recipe. You can also use a boxed cake mix to save time. The important part is the decoration.

2. What flowers are safe to eat?

Safe edible flowers include pansies, violets, nasturtiums, roses, and lavender. Always make sure they are grown without pesticides. You can find them at some grocery stores or farmers markets.

3. How do I store the grow a garden cake?

Store the cake in the refrigerator because of the cream cheese frosting. It will keep for up to 3 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

4. Can I make this cake dairy free?

Yes, you can use dairy free butter and cream cheese alternatives. Use almond milk or oat milk in the cake. The frosting may be a little softer but it will still work.

5. My kids do not like herbs. Can I leave them off?

Absolutely. You can decorate the cake with just edible flowers or even small candies like green jelly beans to look like plants. The herbs are optional.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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