Vanilla, a favorite of Rosemary Little of Rosemary’s Cakes in Teaneck, is derived from the orchid, and has become a popular cake choice in combination with an almond mousse. If you’re the trendy type, a “honey-lavender cake filled with dark-chocolate ganache is a flavorful combination,” says Anna Khoobiar of the Pink Cake Box in Morristown.

Lemon verbena is also a popular favorite for summer cakes, because its lightweight essence of flavor is quite fresh. “Orange Blossom is a popular fragrant cake with historic meaning,” says Charmaine Jones of Cakediva in Hoboken. “It was one of the original cake flavors of bakers and pairs very well with a traditional chocolate cake.” For a vintage floral flavor, try rose. “Persian love cake is flavored with cardamom seeds and iced with a rose-infused frosting that is just divine,” notes Khoobiar. Smells good to me.