I recently attended a delightful cake decorating class in Atlanta, and it was such a blast! The instructor taught us how to create an ombre cake, which is currently trending. Once she walked us through the process, it seemed quite simple, and I was really pleased with how my cake turned out! I can’t wait to share the easy steps to make one yourself!
Creating the perfect ombre cake is a fun and rewarding baking project! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve a stunning gradient effect:
Ingredients:
– For the Cake:
– 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk)
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Gel food coloring in desired colors (for ombre effect)
– For the Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tablespoons milk (for consistency)
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– Gel food coloring (to match cake colors)
Equipment:
– Mixing bowls
– Electric mixer
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Cake pans (3 or 4 round)
– Offset spatula
– Piping bags (optional)
– Cake turntable (optional)
– Cooling rack
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:** In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Ingredients: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Step 2: Divide and Color the Batter
6. Divide Batter: Divide the batter into 3 or 4 bowls (depending on how many shades you want).
7. Color the Batter:** Add gel food coloring to each bowl, starting with the lightest shade in one bowl and gradually adding more gel to create darker shades for the subsequent bowls. Mix well to evenly distribute the color.
Step 3: Bake the Cakes
8. Layer and Bake: Pour each colored batter into its own prepared cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow them to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Prepare the Frosting
9. Make the Frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined, then increase speed and beat until fluffy. Add milk and vanilla to achieve desired consistency.
10. Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into separate bowls and color them to match your cake layers, creating a gradient effect.
Step 5: Assemble the Cake
11. Level the Cakes: Once the cake layers are completely cool, use a serrated knife to level the tops if necessary.
12. Layer and Frost: Starting with the darkest layer on the bottom, place it on a cake stand or plate. Spread a thin layer of frosting on top and stack the next lighter layer. Continue this process until all layers are stacked, from darkest to lightest.
13. Frost the Outside: Apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) all over the cake to seal in crumbs. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes. Then, generously frost the outside of the cake with the gradient-colored frosting.
Step 6: Decorate
14. Smooth and Decorate: Use an offset spatula or a bench scraper to smooth the frosting. You can add decorative elements like sprinkles, edible glitter, or fresh flowers to enhance the ombre effect.
Step 7: Serve
15. Slice and Enjoy: Once decorated, slice the cake and serve! Your guests will be wowed by the beautiful ombre design.
Tips:
– Use high-quality gel food coloring for the best results, as it provides vibrant colors without altering the cake’s consistency.
– Be patient with baking times, as oven temperatures can vary; always check for doneness with a toothpick.
– Have fun with this technique—experiment with different color combinations and frosting designs!
With these steps, you’ll create a beautiful ombre cake that’s not only visually stunning but also delicious. Happy baking!
