Instructions
Step 1: Bake the Cake
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until just combined.
- Pour Batter: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
- Add Flavorings: Mix in the vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat on high until fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Decorate
- Layer the Cakes: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting (this is called a crumb coat). Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set.
- Frost the Cake: Apply a final layer of frosting to the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula.
- Make Roses: Using a piping bag fitted with a star tip, pipe the frosting into rose shapes on top of the cake. You can color the frosting with food coloring to create beautiful, vibrant roses.
- Add Final Touches: If desired, decorate with edible rose petals or additional floral decorations.
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation: Serve your Elegant Rose Garden Cake on a decorative cake stand to showcase its beauty.
- Pair with Drinks: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee, making it perfect for afternoon gatherings or celebrations.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Practice Piping: If you’re new to piping, practice on a piece of parchment paper before decorating the cake to perfect your technique.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different flavors, such as chocolate or lemon, for the cake and frosting.
Conclusion
The Elegant Rose Garden Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a work of art that will leave your guests in awe. With its delicious flavors and stunning appearance, this cake is perfect for any special occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to create a cake that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
