Description
Celebrate Easter with this stunning Ombre Cake! Featuring soft pastel layers and luscious buttercream, this dessert is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for springtime gatherings and festive celebrations.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 ½ cups (440g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups (360ml) buttermilk, room temperature
For the Buttercream:
- 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
- A pinch of salt
- Gel food coloring (pink, purple, blue, yellow)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line four 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper. - Dry Ingredients:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Cream Butter & Sugar:
Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). - Add Eggs & Vanilla:
Mix in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract. - Mix the Batter:
Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. - Color the Batter:
Divide batter evenly into four bowls and tint each with gel food coloring (pink, purple, blue, yellow). - Bake the Layers:
Pour each color into prepared cake pans and bake for 22-25 minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. - Prepare the Buttercream:
Beat butter until creamy, then gradually mix in powdered sugar. Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. - Color the Frosting:
Divide frosting into four bowls and tint each to match cake layers, leaving one portion uncolored. - Assemble the Cake:
Stack layers with matching buttercream between each. Apply a crumb coat and chill for 15 minutes. - Create the Ombre Effect:
Frost bottom with pink, then blend upward with purple, blue, and yellow. Smooth with a bench scraper for a seamless ombre look. - Decorate & Serve:
Top with mini Easter eggs and flowers for a festive finish.
Notes
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades.
- Let cakes cool completely before frosting to avoid melting the buttercream.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American