Delicate ombre cake in pastel shades, topped with edible flowers. Elegant centerpiece, ideal for spring celebrations.
# Ingredient List:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
06 - 1 3⁄4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
08 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
10 - Gel food coloring, pastel pink, yellow, green, or blue
→ Buttercream Frosting
11 - 1 1⁄2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
12 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
14 - 3–4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
15 - Gel food coloring, pastel shades to match cake layers
→ Floral Topper
16 - 1 cup edible flowers, such as pansies, violas, roses, or chamomile
# Recipe Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. Incorporate eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then add vanilla extract.
04 - Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly into three bowls. Tint each using a different pastel gel color, folding gently to achieve gradient hues.
06 - Transfer each colored batter to prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire racks to cool fully.
07 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by vanilla and 3 tablespoons milk or cream. Beat until light and fluffy, adding additional milk if needed for consistency. Divide frosting and tint with pastel shades as desired.
08 - Level cake layers as needed. Place first layer on serving plate and spread with pastel frosting. Stack and repeat with remaining layers. Apply a crumb coat, chill for 15 minutes, then finish frosting and blend colors to create ombre effect.
09 - Arrange organic edible flowers atop cake immediately before serving for a stunning floral finish.
