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Perfect Gold Shimmer Leo Birthday Layer Cake with Easy Champagne Buttercream Recipe

gold shimmer Leo birthday layer cake - featured image
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A festive and elegant birthday layer cake featuring golden shimmer dust and a light, bubbly champagne buttercream. Perfect for celebrating with a touch of sparkle and sophistication.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, warmed slightly
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) champagne or sparkling wine, room temperature (dry style like Brut)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • Pinch of salt (for buttercream)
  • About 1 teaspoon edible gold shimmer dust
  • Optional: Gold leaf sheets for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
  3. Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
  6. Add dry ingredients in three parts alternating with warmed milk, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. For buttercream, beat 1 cup softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating on low speed.
  11. Add champagne, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread thick layer of buttercream on top. Add second layer and cover entire cake with remaining frosting, smoothing with offset spatula.
  13. Using a small dry paintbrush, gently dust edible gold shimmer over frosting. Optionally, press gold leaf sheets on sides.
  14. Chill cake in refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set buttercream. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Butter temperature is crucial for smooth buttercream; soften butter about an hour before use. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Use a dry, soft brush for applying shimmer dust to avoid cakey appearance. Weigh batter between pans for even layers. Chill cake before slicing for clean cuts. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based butter and milk. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, gold shimmer cake, champagne buttercream, layer cake, festive cake, celebration cake, easy buttercream, party dessert

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/perfect-gold-shimmer-leo-birthday-layer-cake-with-easy-champagne-buttercream-recipe/