Vanilla Anniversary Cake with Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Introduction
Celebrate your special occasions with a homemade vanilla anniversary cake, topped with luxurious buttercream frosting and elegant floral decorations. This step-by-step guide will walk you through making this stunning and delicious cake from scratch, perfect for birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor)
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring for decorations (optional)
For the Floral Decorations
- Edible flowers (optional) or fondant flowers
- Piping bag and tips (for buttercream flower designs)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, add the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat the Butter: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more cream or powdered sugar.
- Color the Frosting (Optional): Divide the frosting into different bowls if you’d like to add colors for decorations. Use food coloring sparingly to achieve the desired colors.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Level the Cakes: If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of the cakes for a flat surface.
- Add a Frosting Layer: Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
- Top with Second Layer: Place the second cake layer on top and spread a thin layer of frosting over the entire cake to seal in the crumbs (crumb coat).
- Decorate: Use the remaining buttercream to pipe flowers, borders, and the personalized message. If you prefer edible flowers, arrange them on top for a natural look.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
This elegant vanilla anniversary cake is now ready to serve. The combination of fluffy vanilla layers and creamy buttercream frosting is sure to impress your guests.
Tips for Perfecting Your Anniversary Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Choose High-Quality Vanilla Extract: High-quality vanilla extract enhances the flavor and richness of the cake.
- Plan Your Decoration: If piping buttercream flowers or adding edible flowers, practice on a separate surface before decorating the cake.
Why Make a Homemade Anniversary Cake?
Creating a homemade anniversary cake allows you to customize the flavors, frosting, and design to suit your taste. Not only is it more affordable than a bakery cake, but the personal touch adds meaning to your celebration. Plus, by using premium ingredients, you get a cake that tastes as good as it looks.
