Wedding Cake Recipe: A Guide to Baking the Perfect Celebration Cake
Planning a wedding is a whirlwind of excitement and details, and the wedding cake is often the centerpiece of the celebration. This recipe will guide you through creating a stunning and delicious cake that will be the talk of your special day. We'll focus on a classic vanilla cake, but you can easily adapt the flavors to suit your preferences. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to bake a test run before the big day!
Ingredients:
This recipe makes a two-layer 9-inch cake. Feel free to double (or even triple!) the recipe for a larger cake.
For the Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour
- 3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 3-4 cups (360-480g) powdered sugar
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Cake:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. This prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
- Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This incorporates air for a lighter cake. An electric mixer is highly recommended for this step.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Alternate Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat the Butter: Beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add Milk & Vanilla: Stir in the milk and vanilla extract. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Assembling the Cake:
- Level Cakes (Optional): If your cake layers are uneven, use a serrated knife to carefully level them.
- Frost the Layers: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Frost the top evenly with a layer of buttercream. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
- Decorate: Get creative! Use sprinkles, flowers, fondant, or other decorations to personalize your wedding cake.
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for optimal creaming.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Cool Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh ingredients for the best results.
This recipe provides a fantastic base for your wedding cake. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and decorations to create a truly unique and memorable dessert for your special day! Happy baking!