Spiced Rose Hip Cake Recipe (2024)

Recently I was chatting with my friend and fellow herbalist Thomas Easley about the many ways to approach food.

As herbalists we love to talk about food as medicine. We revel in our daily meals being a source of strength and healing. But, of course, this is just one viewpoint.

Have you heard that saying, some people eat to live while others live to eat?

For some, food is simply fuel: calories taken in order to supply energy needed to go about their day.

For others, food is a delight! The smells, tastes, and textures are all to be savored and perfected.

For many, food is a time to connect with family and friends. To break bread together is just as much about the food as about enjoying each other’s company. Beyond the casual, many traditions and holidays center around food. What would Easter be without eggs or winter holidays without your favorite treats?

Of course none of these perspectives have to exist on their own. And when food can encompass all of these approaches then we can enjoy it on many levels.

And that is what I set out to do with this rose hip cake recipe!

I wanted to create something that is healing and nourishing while also being delicious! Something that could be enjoyed with friends and family over a cup of tea. I also wanted this treat to be something to celebrate these colder months of the year by using seasonal fruit and spices. This could be your new winter tradition!

Before we get to the rose hip cake recipe, here’s a peek at what’s in it.

Spiced Rose Hip Cake Recipe (1)

Rose Hips (Rosa spp.)

Well known for their vitamin C content, rose hips gifts go beyond this! They can help to modulate inflammation, support heart health, and even reduce pain. Studies that show the most benefits are when people eat fairly large amounts of rose hips daily. For example, in one study people were given 40 grams of rose hip powder daily for six weeks. At the end of the six weeks, there was a significant improvement in blood pressure and plasma cholesterol in the people taking the rose hip powder as compared to the control group.1

If you want to get lots of vitamin C from your rose hips, then eating them fresh is the best. However, while dried rose hips may not have as much vitamin C as fresh ones, they still offer many benefits.

This recipe uses rose hip seed powder and dried de-seeded rose hips (that are rehydrated). I get both of these from Mountain Rose Herbs. If you’d like, you can harvest, de-seed, and use fresh rose hips for the frosting.

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Cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.)

Cinnamon is in practically everything I bake. Its delicious taste would be enough of a reason to frequently cook with it, but its health benefits make it all the sweeter. Cinnamon has been widely studied for its ability to reduce blood glucose levels, a benefit to those with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. A recent study also showed that it could reduce fasting insulin for people diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).2

Another small study showed that cinnamon could improve glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in healthy volunteers.3 That study also concluded that results are best when cinnamon is used daily. Larger amounts are needed when using cinnamon for specific purposes (the study with PCOS used one and a half grams per day and the study in healthy volunteers used three grams per day), but we can still benefit from using small amounts on a regular basis.

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Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)

Nutmeg is a calming spice that is best when freshly ground. You can buy special graters for this or you can simply use the small side of a cheese grater. Warmed nutmeg milk is a common drink to help support sleep.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum)

Cloves are the highly aromatic dried flower blossoms from an evergreen tree native to Indonesia. In herbal medicine they are famous for helping to stop the pain of a toothache. In baked goods they are used sparingly because their flavor can be so intense!

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Spiced Rose Hip Cake

Deliciously aromatic with the fresh, tart flavor of rose hips, this rose hip cake is a delicious treat to enjoy with your favorite cup of tea (I love roasted dandelion root!).

What you’ll need…

Cake

  • 2 cups flour
  • 1/4 cup rose hip powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon clove powder
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups milk

Frosting

  • 1/4 cup dried de-seeded rose hips
  • 3/4 cup apple juice
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup honey
  1. Begin by rehydrating the dried rose hips for the frosting. Place the dried rose hips in a small bowl. Add the apple juice.
  2. Let sit for a minimum of 2 hours or overnight. Before using, taste a bit to make sure the rose hips have softened completely.

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  1. When you’re ready to make the cake: preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter a 9 x 9-inch pan.
  2. Sift together the flour, rose hip powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices in a medium bowl.

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  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and honey together. Add the vanilla and eggs. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. At a low speed (or by hand), beat in the milk until just combined (the mixture will look lumpy or curdled).

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  1. Add the flour mixture in three batches, mixing until each addition is just incorporated. If necessary, add a bit more milk. The mixture will be very thick (due to the rose hips). Do not over mix or it will become thicker and thicker.
  2. Bake until a knife inserted in center of the cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Cool before frosting.

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  1. To make the frosting, combine the rehydrated rose hips mixture, butter, cream cheese, and honey together. Spread evenly on the cake.

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Enjoy!

Yield: About 9 servings

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Now I’d love to hear from you!

Do you have any food traditions around rose hips? Or other favorite herbal goodies you enjoy this time of year?

Please share in the comments below.
Spiced Rose Hip Cake Recipe (12)

Spiced Rose Hip Cake Recipe (13)

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Spiced Rose Hip Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Are rose hips spicy? ›

These hips, haws or berries are the cherry-sized red fruits of the rose bush left behind after the bloom has died. Although nearly all rose bushes produce rose hips, the tastiest for eating purposes come from the Rosa rugosa variety. The flavor is described as fruity and spicy, much like the cranberry.

What is the best oil to make rosehip oil with? ›

You can make this homemade rosehip oil recipe with any type of oil you prefer. Jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and grapeseed oil are all popular choices for oil infusions intended to be used on your face.

How to make rose hip powder? ›

Make a rosehip powder

In a spice grinder or high-powered blender, add 500g of dried rosehips and process them until they are a powder. You may need to do this in batches.

Who should not take rosehip? ›

Rosehip supplements may raise your risk of certain types of kidney stones. High doses may lead to dangerous blood clots, called deep vein thrombosis. Use caution when using this supplement if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. There are no studies to determine if such use is safe.

What are the cons of rose hips? ›

Side effects of rose hip

The most common side effects are digestive upset, including nausea, stomach cramps or pain, and diarrhea. Theoretically, the high vitamin C content in rose hips could lead to kidney stones. Your body converts vitamin C to oxalate, and high doses can cause calcium oxalate stones.

When should you not use rosehip oil? ›

As a result, if you have any of the following conditions, do not use rosehip oil without your doctor's approval:
  1. diabetes: vitamin C may impact diabetes control.
  2. kidney stones: large amounts of vitamin C may increase your risk of kidney stones.
  3. anemia: vitamin C may impact how your body absorbs iron.

What kind of rosehip oil does Kate Middleton use? ›

According to a source close to the royal, Princess Catherine (and mum Carole, too!) favours Triolgy's Organic Certified Rosehip Oil, a bestseller from the UK-based brand.

Does rosehip oil expire? ›

Shelf Life: Shelf life of 6 months to 1 year with proper storage conditions (cool, out of direct sunlight). Refrigeration after opening is recommended. Absorption: Rosehip is quickly absorbed by the skin and does not leave an oily feel. Safety: In high concentrations, Rosehip oil may increase or cause acne.

When to pick rosehips? ›

After the first frost of the year, the rose hips will ripen. Once the petals have dropped off, the hip is ready for picking. They should be red in colour and soft to the touch. Don't pick the shrivelled ones.

How to tincture rosehips? ›

  1. Wash and remove any stems or mushy rose hips.
  2. Grind, chop, or break up rose hips.
  3. Place in Mason Jar.
  4. Fill Mason Jar to the top with 190-proof spirits (replace 2oz alcohol with distilled water if dilution is desired)
  5. Let sit for at least 6 weeks, shaking weekly.
Apr 11, 2023

What is the shelf life of rose hip powder? ›

STORAGE. Keep in a cool & dry place. Shelf life up to 1 year.

How to make homemade rosehip oil? ›

Combine your rosehips and oil in a heatproof container. Using a double boiler or slow cooker, allow to simmer on a low heat for 6-8 hours, or longer. If you would like your oil to be ready to use right away, use this method. Combine your rosehips and oils into a glass contain with an air tight lid.

Can I mix rosehip oil and olive oil? ›

The synergy between the retinoic acid in rosehip seeds and the oleic acid in olive oil creates a potent, bioavailable mixture. Why Save This Post: - All-Natural: Ditch the synthetics for a fully natural approach.

What does rose hip taste like? ›

Rose hips have a floral, slightly sweet flavor with a touch of tartness.

Are rose hips safe to eat raw? ›

Rose hips are safe to eat raw; however, remove the itch-producing hairs surrounding the seed.

What is the flavor of rosehip? ›

These small, striking, scarlet fruits introduce a unique sweet, fruity and deliciously tangy flavour, with warm butterscotch and vanilla notes, to autumnal cocktails. Edible part: The fruit (hips), as well as petals earlier in the year.

What Flavour is rose hips? ›

Rose Hips have a tangy and tart flavor similar to that of cranberries, tart apples and plums. For culinary purposes, Rose Hips are often used in jams and jellies, as well as teas, wines and other beverages.

References

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