Description
This elegant Lambeth Cake features moist vanilla sponge layers and intricate buttercream ruffles for a vintage, sophisticated look. It is a rewarding project that combines classic baking with artistic piping techniques to create a centerpiece perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
- Double batch of vanilla cake batter
- Six portions of American buttercream
- Pink, orange, yellow, and green gel food coloring
- Warm brown gel food coloring
- Confetti sprinkles
- Sugar pearls
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease four 6-inch or 8-inch cake pans.
- Divide the vanilla batter into four bowls, tinting three with pink, orange, and yellow, and folding sprinkles into the fourth.
- Bake the layers for 25-35 minutes depending on pan size, then cool completely and level the tops.
- Stack the layers with buttercream, apply a thin crumb coat, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Apply a thick final layer of frosting and chill for at least one hour until firm.
- Mark the top edge of the cake with a round cookie cutter to create a scalloped guide for piping.
- Use tip 104 to pipe orange and pink ruffles along the bottom and following the guides at the top.
- Add shell borders with tips 4B and 17, then finish with piped flowers, leaves, and sugar pearls.
Notes
Ensure the cake is completely cold before you start the intricate piping; this prevents the heavy buttercream ruffles from sliding down the sides. For the best color results, mix your tinted frosting a few hours in advance, as gel colors tend to deepen and develop over time.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American