Looking for the best elderberry recipes to try?
You’re in for a treat!
From soothing syrups to zesty jams, elderberries can be transformed into something delicious.
In this post, you’ll find 21 elderberry recipes that are fun, easy, and perfect for all ages.
Most of the recipes take less than 45 minutes of prep time.
Quick Tips Before You Start:
Always cook elderberries before eating – raw elderberries can upset your tummy.
Cooking makes them safe and super tasty.
Always be 1000% sure of your ID when foraging wild food!
Read my elderberry medicinal uses post for ID information.
Let’s get started…
1. Elderberry Syrup Recipe With Honey 🍯
This elderberry syrup is a staple in our house as a preventative for colds and flus. The kids are more than happy to take it!
I make it with raw local honey for extra health benefits, and it’s very simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen elderberries
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 cloves
Method:
Simmer the elderberries, water, cinnamon, and cloves in a pot for about 45 minutes, until the liquid reduces by half. Avoid boiling. Strain the mixture, allow to cool until lukewarm, then stir in the honey. Bottle the syrup and store it in the fridge.
Tip:
This elderberry syrup also makes a great base for elderberry elixir or as a topping for oat pancakes.
2. Elderberry Wine Recipe UK Style 🍷
There’s nothing quite like making your own wine, and elderberries give it a deep, rich flavour. Making this elderberry wine recipe at home is surprisingly simple, and it’s an excellent way to preserve elderberries.
Ingredients:
- 1.5kg elderberries
- 1.25kg sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 sachet wine yeast
- 4.5 litres water
Method:
Crush the elderberries and simmer them in water for 30 minutes. Allow to cool, then add the lemon juice and sugar, and stir until dissolved. Once cool, sprinkle in the yeast. Allow this mixture to ferment for about 5 days. After that, strain the liquid into a demijohn, fit an airlock, and leave it to ferment for around 6 months.
Tip:
The longer it sits, the better the flavour becomes, but it’s worth the wait!
3. Elderberry Tincture Recipe 🍶
This elderberry tincture recipe is a great way to preserve elderberries for medicinal use. You can use it to support your immune system, especially during cold and flu season.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried elderberries
- 2 cups vodka or brandy
Method:
Place the elderberries in a clean glass jar and pour alcohol over them. Seal the jar tightly and shake it every day for about a month. After 4 weeks, strain the mixture and transfer the liquid into a dropper bottle.
Tip:
You can take a teaspoon of this tincture several times a day during cold season for cold and flu prevention.
4. Elderberry Gummy Recipe 🍬
These elderberry gummies are a delicious and fun way to enjoy elderberry’s immune-boosting benefits, and they’re made with a plant-based alternative to gelatin. Kids love the sweet, tangy flavour. It’s easy to find packs of moulds with different shapes online: our favourite is heart-shaped.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- 2 tablespoons agar-agar powder (a vegetarian substitute for gelatin)
- ¼ cup water
- optional: citric acid (for a tangy flavour), squeezed juice of lemon, orange
Method:
Dissolve the agar-agar powder in water and set it aside. Warm the elderberry syrup in a saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the agar mixture, continuing to heat until the agar is fully dissolved. Pour the mixture into silicone moulds and place them in the fridge to set for about two hours. Once firm, remove the gummies from the moulds and store them in an airtight container in the fridge.
Tip:
You can also experiment by adding a splash of citrus juice, like orange or lemon, or citric acid powder for extra flavour. These gummies can last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks – if they haven’t all disappeared by then!
5. Elderberry Elixir ✨
This elderberry elixir is perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, medicinal drink. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the health benefits of elderberries while sipping something that tastes like a treat.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elderberry syrup with honey
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup elderflower cordial
Method:
Combine the elderberry syrup, brandy, and elderflower cordial in a bottle. Shake it up and store it in the fridge. It can be taken as a daily health tonic or mixed with sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing drink.
Tip:
This is also a great gift idea, especially in the holiday season!
6. Elderberry Cordial 🍷
This elderberry cordial is one of my favourite ways to preserve the taste of elderberries all year round. I love sipping it over ice or mixing it into sparkling water.
Ingredients:
- 1kg elderberries
- 750g sugar
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 1 litre water
Method:
Simmer the elderberries with water for about 20 minutes to extract all the goodness. Strain the liquid, then return it to the pot, adding the sugar. Simmer again until it thickens slightly. Allow it to cool, add the lemon juice, and store in a cool place.
Tip:
This cordial keeps for a long time in the fridge, and it’s perfect for mixing into cocktails or mocktails.
7. Elderberry Vinaigrette 🥗
If you’re tired of your standard salad dressing, this elderberry vinaigrette will spice things up. It has a lovely balance of sweet and tart flavours that go perfectly with fresh greens.
Ingredients:
- ¼ cup elderberry syrup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Method:
Whisk together the elderberry syrup, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Shake well before each use.
Tip:
It pairs beautifully with a goat cheese salad or roasted vegetables.
8. Elderberry Sauce 🧉
This elderberry sauce is an easy way to elevate any roast dinner. This fruity wild food sauce adds an unexpected burst of flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elderberries
- ½ cup red wine
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Method:
Sauté the onion in butter until softened. Add the elderberries, wine, balsamic vinegar, and sugar. Let the sauce simmer for about 15-20 minutes until it thickens to your liking.
Tip:
Delicious served with quorn roast 🤤 This elderberry sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 5–7 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheated before serving.
9. Elderberry Muffins 🧁
These elderberry muffins are a perfect snack or breakfast treat. They’re sweet, moist, and packed with elderberry goodness in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups plain flour (or almond flour)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 egg (or egg substitute)
- ¼ cup butter, melted (or 4 tablespoons olive oil)
- 1 cup elderberries
Method:
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Stir them together gently, then fold in the elderberries. Bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Tip:
Sprinkle a little sugar on top before baking if you like a crunchy finish.
10. Elderberry Pancakes 🥞
Fluffy pancakes with elderberries mixed right into the batter? Yes, please! These pancakes are sweet and packed with flavour.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 egg
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ½ cup elderberries
Method:
Mix the dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another. Combine the two and fold in the elderberries gently. Cook on a medium-hot pan until golden brown.
Tip:
Top your pancakes with a drizzle of elderberry syrup for a full berry breakfast experience!
11. Elderberry Gin Recipes 🍸
Are you a gin lover? If so, you’ll enjoy making this homemade version of elderberry gin. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for enjoying as a festive drink.
Ingredients:
- 500g elderberries
- 700ml gin
- 200g sugar
Method:
Place elderberries and sugar in a jar and pour over the gin. Seal the jar and shake it daily for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, strain the liquid and bottle it. Let it sit for another 3 months before enjoying.
Tip:
This elderberry gin makes a delightful gift during the holidays.
12. Elderberry and Goat Cheese Crostini 🧀
These elderberry and goat cheese crostini are the perfect balance of savoury and sweet. The creamy goat cheese pairs beautifully with the tangy elderberry sauce, making these bite-sized delights an impressive snack or appetiser.
Ingredients:
- 1 baguette, sliced into ½-inch pieces
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons elderberry jelly or sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh thyme, for garnish
- A pinch of sea salt
Method:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Arrange the baguette slices on a baking sheet and brush each one lightly with olive oil. Toast the slices in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Once toasted, spread a generous layer of goat cheese on each slice. Drizzle with elderberry jelly or sauce, then sprinkle with fresh thyme and a pinch of sea salt for extra flavour. Serve warm for the best taste.
Tip:
Try adding a drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction for an extra layer of sweetness!
13 Elderberry & Roasted Vegetable Stir-Fry 🍳
This elderberry and roasted vegetable stir-fry is a delightful, flavour-packed dish with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s great for a healthy, hearty meal any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
- Fresh coriander for garnish
Method: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss the sweet potato cubes with a bit of olive oil and roast them for 20 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large pan or wok, add the garlic and ginger, and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Add the red bell pepper and zucchini to the pan, and stir-fry for 5 minutes.
Once the roasted sweet potato is ready, add it to the pan with the other vegetables. Pour in the elderberry syrup and soy sauce, then toss everything together. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, so the sauce thickens and coats the vegetables. Top with sesame seeds and fresh coriander before serving.
Tip: Serve this stir-fry over brown rice or quinoa for a hearty meal.
14. Elderberry Pie 🥧
There’s nothing better than a homemade elderberry pie. It’s tart and sweet, and the perfect dessert to showcase fresh elderberries.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elderberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
Method:
Mix together the elderberries, sugar, flour, and lemon juice, and pour into the pie crust. Top with slices of pastry to make a lattice. Bake at 180°C for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Tip:
Serve with a scoop of elderberry ice cream for the perfect finishing touch.
15. Elderberry and Apple Crumble 🍏
This elderberry and apple crumble is a delicious, comforting dessert. The tartness of the elderberries pairs perfectly with the sweet apples.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups peeled apple slices
- 1 cup elderberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup flour
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
Method:
Place the apple slices and elderberries in a baking dish and mix with sugar. Rub the butter into the flour and brown sugar until crumbly, then sprinkle it over the fruit. Bake at 180°C for 30 minutes.
Tip: Serve warm with custard or whipped cream!
16. Elderberry Ice Cream 🍨
Elderberry ice cream is the ultimate wild food treat. It’s creamy, tangy, and refreshing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Method:
Whisk together the heavy cream, elderberry syrup, and vanilla. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tip:
This is perfect for summer parties or as a treat after dinner.
17. Elderberry Jam Recipe UK 🍇
Making your own elderberry jam is so rewarding. It’s sweet, a bit tart, and perfect spread on toast or swirled into plain yoghurt or skyr.
Ingredients:
- 1kg elderberries
- 750g sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 apple (peeled and chopped)
Method:
Simmer the elderberries, apple, and lemon juice for about 45 minutes. Add the sugar and cook until thickened. Jar and seal.
Tip:
Elderberry jam pairs beautifully with soft cheese on crackers!
18. Elderberry Smoothie 🥤
Packed with vitamins, this elderberry smoothie is a great way to start the day.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup fresh elderberries
- 1 banana
- ½ cup seasonal wild greens
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Method:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth. Add water or almond milk to thin if needed.
Tip: You can swap the wild greens for spinach or kale if preferred.
19. Elderberry Sorbet 🍧
Cool down on a hot day with a scoop of elderberry sorbet. It’s refreshing and packed with antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elderberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Method:
Simmer the elderberries, water, and sugar for 10 minutes. Strain, then chill. Freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker.
Tip:
You can add a splash of lemon juice for an extra zing.
20. Elderberry Chocolate Truffles 🍫
These elderberry chocolate truffles are the perfect treat for any occasion. They’re rich, sweet, and have just the right amount of elderberry flavour.
Ingredients:
- 200g chocolate (milk, dark or white)
- ¼ cup elderberry syrup
- ½ cup cream
Method:
Chop the chocolate finely and place it in a heatproof bowl. Gently heat the cream and elderberry syrup in a small saucepan until just simmering (do not boil). Pour the hot mixture over the chopped chocolate. Let it sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then stir slowly until smooth and glossy. Cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge for about 1–2 hours until firm. Once set, scoop out small amounts and roll them into balls. Roll each truffle in cocoa powder to coat.
If the truffle mixture is too soft to roll easily, pop it back into the fridge for another 20–30 minutes. Work quickly with cold hands to prevent the truffles from melting while shaping them.
Flavour Variations:
- Zesty twist: Add ½ teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the cream for a citrusy lift.
- Spiced touch: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for a warming flavour.
- Salty-sweet: Sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each truffle after rolling.
- Nutty option: Roll the truffles in finely chopped nuts like pistachios or almonds instead of cocoa powder.
Tip: Experiment with flavours, and create your own homemade box of chocolates for a thoughtful gift!
21. Elderberry Stovetop Custard Pudding 🥣
This creamy, indulgent elderberry pudding is a delicious way to end any meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup elderberry syrup
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Method:
Heat the milk and elderberry syrup, then whisk in the sugar and cornstarch. Temper the egg yolks by adding a bit of the hot mixture, then whisk everything together and cook until thickened.
Tip:
Chill before serving for a cool, creamy dessert.
🌟 Elderberry Recipes: Final Thoughts🌟
If you want to dive even deeper into elderberries’ healing magic, don’t miss my full post on elderberry medicinal uses — it’s packed with valuable info.
💜 Which elderberry recipe are you most excited to try first?💜
Let me know in the comments!
