Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream: An Elegant and Sweet Dessert

Tip: This elegant Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, weddings, or tea parties. It is a delightful dessert to serve after a festive meal, or as the centerpiece of a celebration. The light, fluffy cake paired with the smooth and colorful buttercream makes it a truly memorable treat.

Calories: Each slice of Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on portion size.

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Ingredients (Serves 8-10):

For the Vanilla Sponge:

• 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs, at room temperature

For the Pink Buttercream:

• 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups (500 g) sifted powdered sugar

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (adjust as needed)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Pink food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Decoration (Optional):

• Edible pearls

• Edible flowers

• Gold sprinkles

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Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vanilla Sponge Cake:

   • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line them with parchment paper.

   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

   • Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth, but be careful not to overmix.

   • Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops with a spatula.

   • Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Pink Buttercream:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

   • Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.

   • Add the heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the buttercream reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker buttercream, use less cream; for a lighter consistency, add more cream.

   • Stir in the vanilla extract and mix until fully incorporated.

   • Add a few drops of pink food coloring, stirring until you achieve your desired shade of pink. For a more vibrant color, you can add more coloring, but be careful not to overdo it.

3. Assemble the Cake:

   • Once the cakes have completely cooled, place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand.

   • Spread a generous layer of pink buttercream over the top, smoothing it out with a spatula.

   • Place the second cake layer on top and gently press it down.

   • Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream to seal in the crumbs (this is called a crumb coat). Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

   • After chilling, apply the remaining buttercream in a smooth, even layer over the cake. Use a spatula to create a beautiful finish.

4. Decorate the Cake (Optional):

   • For a touch of elegance, decorate the cake with edible pearls, edible flowers, or gold sprinkles. Arrange them in a way that enhances the beauty of the cake without overwhelming the delicate pink buttercream.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Slice the cake into pieces and serve it on a special occasion. The light, fluffy vanilla cake paired with the creamy, colorful buttercream will be sure to impress your guests!

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Energy-Efficient Tip:

To save energy while baking, consider using a convection oven if available. Convection ovens circulate hot air more efficiently, allowing food to cook faster and more evenly. This can help reduce baking time and energy consumption.

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Health Notes:

• Who would benefit from this dish:
  This Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream is an indulgent treat that's ideal for anyone looking to celebrate a special occasion with a sweet, comforting dessert. It's perfect for people with a sweet tooth or those who enjoy a light and fluffy cake with a creamy, flavorful frosting. It's great for kids and adults alike at birthday parties, weddings, or other festive gatherings.

• Who should avoid it:
  This cake is high in sugar and fat, so it may not be suitable for individuals managing their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes. The butter and cream make it a rich dessert, so those on low-fat or low-calorie diets may want to avoid it. Additionally, people with dairy allergies or lactose intolerance should steer clear of this dessert, as it contains butter, milk, and heavy cream.