Easter Cake
Easter is a time for celebration, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a beautifully decorated Easter cake? This cake is not only visually stunning but also delicious, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. With a light sponge base and colorful frosting, it’s sure to delight family and friends. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will make your Easter memorable!
Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups sugar
– ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk
– 3 large eggs
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Food coloring (various colors)
– 4 cups frosting (buttercream or cream cheese)
– Sprinkles and edible decorations
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 12 servings. Preparation time is about 30 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 25-30 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 slice) contains approximately 350 calories, 15g fat, 50g carbohydrates, and 5g protein. This nutritional value is based on one person’s serving.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
7. Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
8. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Once cooled, frost with buttercream and decorate as desired.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, use dairy-free butter and milk for a vegan version of this cake.
Serving and Pairings
This Easter cake pairs beautifully with a light fruit salad or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve it alongside coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not preheating the oven, which can affect baking time.
- Overmixing the batter, leading to a dense cake.
- Not allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting.
- Using cold ingredients instead of room temperature ones.
- Skipping the greasing and flouring of pans, causing sticking.
Helpful Tips
- Use gel food coloring for more vibrant colors.
- Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or lemon.
- Decorate with seasonal fruits for an extra touch.
- Let the cake sit for a few hours before serving for better flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly to maintain freshness.
What type of frosting works best?
Buttercream or cream cheese frosting works wonderfully for this cake, providing a rich flavor.
Can I decorate the cake in advance?
Yes, you can decorate the cake a few hours before serving, but avoid adding fresh fruit until just before serving.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container before freezing.
What can I use if I don’t have all-purpose flour?
You can use cake flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
This Easter cake is a delightful way to celebrate the holiday with family and friends. Its vibrant colors and delicious flavors will surely make it a hit at your gathering. Enjoy baking and sharing this special treat!
Easter Cake
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup milk
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Food coloring various colors
- 4 cups frosting buttercream or cream cheese
- Sprinkles and edible decorations
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk.
- Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- 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 transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Frost with buttercream and decorate as desired.