Description
A visually breathtaking and deliciously moist cake that captures the beauty of blooming flowers, perfect for any spring celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 1½ cups unsalted butter, room temperature (for buttercream)
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (for buttercream)
- 2 tbsp heavy cream (for buttercream)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for buttercream)
- Gel food coloring (variety of colors, for buttercream)
- Edible flowers (pansies, violets, calendula, optional)
- Fresh herbs (mint, thyme, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
- On low speed, alternate adding the dry mixture and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Beat the butter on high speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing on low until combined. Add cream and vanilla, then beat on high until fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Level your cake layers if needed. Spread a layer of buttercream between each cake. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 20 minutes. Frost the cake smoothly and decorate with piped flowers using tinted buttercream or edible flowers.
Notes
Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant hues without thinning your buttercream. Decorate the cake the day of serving for the freshest look and flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg