Mother’s Day is coming in the next few weeks and while gift planning and brunching are on everyone’s list (ahem) I have a fun idea for you to include: Rose-flavored Desserts. About five years ago I was shopping with my kids at a kitchen store and came upon rose extract. Intrigued with anything new and novel, I bought some and stuck it in my pantry not quite sure what to make with it. It tastes as roses smell, if that makes sense. There is something fascinating to me about that.
My first creations were Rose-Vanilla Ice Cream with Candied Rose Petals and Rose-Cream filled Vanilla Cupcakes. They were both to celebrate my daughter’s birthday (who was around 11 at the time) and we all fell in love with the flavors! The light floral taste is both whimsical and decadent at the same time. The recipes were some of the first I shared on Boulder Locavore and were not difficult to make. Though candying rose petals takes a bit of time the process is easy and would be something kids could make too (with a bit of supervision if they are tiny tots).
Over the past few years I’ve woven rose flavoring into a number of fun desserts which are perfect to celebrate spring and Mother’s Day! Who says you have to just give roses? Why not eat them too! The result has always been unexpected delight.
Rose Cake with Pistashio Filling (gluten-free)
Vanilla Wafer Rose Marshmallow White Chocolate Oven S’Mores
Forget Me Not (Rose-flavored Meringues)
Rose-flavored Panna Cotta with Edible Flowers
Vanilla Steamer with Rose-flavored Marshmallows
Lemony Snow Pudding with Rose Custard Sauce
Mini Rose Cupcakes with Whipped Cream Frosting
Felicia says
All of this looks so delicious! I love the idea of rose flavored.
Pam says
I love rose flavored desserts. It’s such a light and delicate flavor and it makes any dessert feel fancy!
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Those sound so yummy. I had rose flavored cake once at a wedding. It was so yummy!
robin rue says
Ok, so now I need to try ALL of these. Making a shopping list now…..
Catherine Sargent says
These all look like yummy desserts. I would love to try the Vanilla Wafer Rose Marshmallow White Chocolate Oven S’Mores or the Rose-Vanilla Ice Cream.
Tim says
I have to say, these all look delicious, but rose flavored? I won’t knock it until I get the chance to try it, but that definitely sounds strange to me… Is it a strong flavor? Is it comparable to something more typical?
Toni Dash says
Hi Tim. It literally tastes how roses smell. Smell and taste are the only two senses that share that relationship but that is the only way I can describe it. Because the flavor is delivered from an extract, you can over do it definitely. A little goes a long way. The light touch of the rose extract is unique and fantastic. I think this falls into the ‘to each his own’ category and as with any flavors will be loved by some and not by some as well.
kellie@foodtoglow says
And I thought I liked rose! Such beautiful ideas. Mother’s Day has been and gone here, but I’ll pin these for a special occasion. Lots to love in this post. 🙂
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
Love those pink meringues and that cake is gorgeous! Any mom would be happy to get any of these lovely treats. Great post Toni
Toni Dash says
Thank you Tricia! I think you are right. My daughter in particular absolutely loves it whenever I make anything with rose flavoring. It’s so unique tasting.
Chris @ The Café Sucré Farine says
Wow, you are the Rose-flavored queen! And they’re all so beautiful – pinning!
Toni Dash says
Thank you Chris! I have never thought of myself that way but I like it! Enjoy your ‘very tiny’ Paris apartment.
Anne-Marie @ This Mama Cooks! On a Diet says
I’m licking the screen, these look so good! These would make wonderful desserts at a baby or bridal shower, too!
Toni Dash says
Fantastic ideas Anne-Marie!