Homemade elderflower cordial
Fragrant and refreshing, springtime elderflower cordial is easy to make. Mix with sparkling water to create elderflower pressé, or add to wine, prosecco or champagne to start a party in style
Heat oven to 160C/140C fan/gas 3. Grease a deep 20cm round tin and line the base and sides with baking parchment. Put all the cake ingredients, except the gooseberries, in a large bowl with ½ tsp salt, then use electric beaters to mix everything to a smooth, thick cake batter – try not to overbeat once it’s come together. Fold in three-quarters of the gooseberries, spoon into the tin and level the top.
Poke the rest of the gooseberries into the top of the cake and bake for 1 hr. As it bakes, mix together the coconut, sugar and melted butter for the topping. After 1 hr, quickly whip the cake from the oven, scatter over the topping and continue baking for 15-20 mins, or until the cake is golden and risen, and a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Will keep for 2 days in an airtight container.