Description
A beautiful and forgiving floral-themed layer cake perfect for autumn gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups (312 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine salt
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups (340 g) unsalted butter, softened (for the buttercream)
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the buttercream)
- 1–2 tsp edible floral syrup or rose water
- Edible flowers (pansies, violas, marigold petals) for decoration
- Candied citrus peel or sliced almonds for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Set aside.
- Beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing until incorporated. Stir in the vanilla and lemon zest.
- Add the flour mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix gently until just combined; don’t overmix.
- Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 22–28 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Beat butter until smooth, then gradually add powdered sugar. Add vanilla, floral syrup or rose water, and milk to reach spreading consistency. Taste and adjust floral notes carefully.
- Level cakes if needed. Spread a layer of buttercream between the layers, crumb-coat the outside, chill for 20 minutes, then finish with a smooth coat. Pipe simple rosettes or place fresh edible flowers on top and at the base for a garden-inspired look.
Notes
Room temperature ingredients help emulsify the batter. Measure flour correctly to avoid dense cakes. Use only blossoms labeled as edible.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 28 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods