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Perfect Pastel Floral Vanilla Layer Cake

pastel floral vanilla layer cake - featured image
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A light, moist vanilla layer cake decorated with pastel floral buttercream frosting, perfect for special celebrations and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (312g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tbsp heavy cream or milk (to adjust frosting consistency)
  • Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, lavender, mint, peach)
  • Optional decorations: edible flowers or fresh blooms (pesticide-free), sprinkles or pearl sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat 1 cup softened butter with 1 ¾ cups sugar on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in 1 tbsp vanilla extract.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with 1 cup milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks. Remove parchment and cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat 1 cup softened butter and cream cheese until smooth (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Stir in 2 tsp vanilla and 2-3 tbsp cream to desired consistency.
  9. Divide frosting into bowls and tint with gel food coloring to pastel shades.
  10. Assemble cake by placing one layer on plate, spreading thick frosting layer on top, adding second layer, and applying crumb coat. Chill 20 minutes.
  11. Pipe floral designs with tinted frosting using piping bags and tips. Chill frosting if kitchen is warm for easier piping.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter after adding flour to avoid toughness. Chill frosting slightly if too soft for piping. Weigh ingredients for precision. For dairy-free or vegan versions, substitute plant-based butter, cream cheese, and use flax eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla layer cake, pastel floral cake, buttercream frosting, celebration cake, easy vanilla cake, party dessert

Find it online: https://wigglebite.com/perfect-pastel-floral-vanilla-layer-cake-recipe-for-easy-special-celebrations/