05/28/2026
🧁🌱Nettle Dandelion Cupcakes🌱🧁
This recipe takes a bit of preparation so make sure you have time, its a great field trip/baking forage day!
🌱 Gather 100g of stinging nettle tops (original recipe says 30 tops, I AT least doubled that and then some. If theres extra just dry them for tea!) You want to take the top portion of the nettle, about 6-8 leaves.
🌱 Gather 15g of dandelion blossoms (approx 20, but again, its ok to overshoot, you can dry the petals out and use them later for other things)
🌱 Preheat oven to 325F
🌱 Wash and steam nettle for 4-5 mins
🌱 Transfer to ice water, strain and squeeze as best you can.
🌱 Puree in a blender the steamed nettle with about 1-1/4cup (300g) milk of choice. (I used whole) And 1.5 Tbsp of lemon juice
🌱 In a bowl combine 3/4 cup + 3tbsp of raw honey with the zest of 2 small lemons (or to taste prefrence)
🌱 Add the nettle mix in the honey/lemon and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil of choice). Stir.
🌱 Stir in 2-1/2 Cups flour, 2 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda with a pinch of salt
🌱 Once well combine, fold in dandelion petals.
🌱 Fill cupcake pan (I just buttered the cups, didnt use liners but you can) 3/4 to the top and bake for 20mins (I used convection bake), checking with a toothpick, it should come out clean.
Allow to cool completely before topping with your favourite icing! I went all out and made vanilla buttercream...which undoubtedly added a bunch of calories. 😁
Some notes:
🏵Be sure to separate the dandelion petals from the green bits (sepal) or you'll end up with bitter taste profile and the petals wont spread well through the batter.
🏵I used honey in place of Castor sugar. The original recipe calls for 300g (approx 1-1/2 cup) I converted to honey - which also reduced my bake temperature. If you decide to use sugar - granulated is fine or other types - you may want to increase temperature to 350F. Keep an eye on your goods during baking!
🏵 I saved the green bits from the dandelion and made a tincture with 40% Vodka. This is optional. I just didn't want to dump them out but compost is always an option!
🏵The cupcakes were SO delicious, moist and just a lovely un. I ended up with 16 total in the end.
🏵As always, forage in clean, chemical free areas with LOTS of plants. Don't take more than you need and be respectful. Happy foraging (and baking!)
