Pressed flowers give cookies and cakes a delicate, hand-finished look, and violas and pansies are the easiest edible flowers to press because they’re already thin and low-profile. Here’s the simplest way to do it at home, using either a microwave or a heavy book.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh violas or pansies
- Parchment paper or plain printer paper
- Either: a microwave and two ceramic tiles or heavy books, OR a stack of heavy books alone
- A flat, dry surface to store the pressed flowers once finished
Method 1: Microwave Press (Fastest)
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on a microwave-safe plate.
- Arrange the violas or pansies on the paper so the petals are spread out, not folded or overlapping.
- Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper, then place a microwave-safe weight on top, two ceramic tiles work well, or a heavy microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave in 30-second bursts, checking between each one. Most flowers are fully pressed and dried within 1–2 minutes, depending on your microwave and how much moisture is in the bloom.
- Let the flowers cool completely before handling, they’ll be fragile and paper-thin.
Method 2: Book Press (Slower, No Heat)
- Place the violas or pansies between two sheets of parchment or plain paper, spaced so they aren’t touching.
- Set the paper inside a heavy book, then stack two or three more heavy books on top.
- Leave undisturbed for 1–2 weeks. Avoid checking too often, opening the press early can warp the petals before they’ve fully dried.
Using Pressed Flowers on Cookies and Cakes
Once pressed, violas and pansies are rigid enough to lay directly onto wet icing or fondant, where they’ll stick as the icing sets. They can also be brushed lightly with a food-safe adhesive like piping gel if you’re placing them on a drier surface. Because pressed flowers lose their moisture, they’ll keep their color and shape for weeks if stored in an airtight container, laid flat and away from direct light.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which edible flowers press best?
Violas and pansies press especially well because they’re naturally thin and mostly flat already, so they dry quickly and hold their shape better than thicker or more layered blooms.
How long do pressed edible flowers last?
Stored flat in an airtight container away from light, pressed violas and pansies can hold their color and shape for several weeks to a few months.
Can I press flowers that have already started to wilt?
It’s best to press flowers while they’re fresh. Wilted petals tend to press unevenly and lose color faster than fresh ones.
Is the microwave method safe for the flowers?
Yes, as long as you use short bursts and check frequently, the goal is to remove moisture gently, not cook the flower.
Get Fresh Violas and Pansies to Press
The fresher the bloom, the better it presses. Browse the Premium Viola/Pansy Pack for flowers delivered within 24–48 hours of harvest, ready to press the same day they arrive.
