Description

Celebrate the arrival of the new year with this elegant and buttery cake featuring a festive hint of champagne. Its tender crumb and simple buttercream frosting make it a reliable and sophisticated centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 cups granulated sugar
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 cup champagne or sparkling wine, room temperature
4 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: blue food coloring
1/2 cup pasteurized egg whites
4 cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, cubed (for frosting)
1/2 cup candy melts
2 tablespoons hot water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, cream softened butter on low until smooth, then add sugar and beat on medium for 8–10 minutes until pale and fluffy.
Sift together flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl.
In a separate container, whisk together the champagne, vanilla, and food coloring if using.
Add eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, mixing for one minute after each addition to ensure proper emulsification.
On low speed, alternate adding the dry ingredients and champagne mixture to the batter, starting and ending with the flour; mix just until combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
For the frosting, whip pasteurized egg whites and powdered sugar on high for 5 minutes, then slowly incorporate butter chunks until thick and white.
Melt candy melts and stir in hot water until smooth to create the ganache drip; pipe over the chilled, frosted cake once cooled.

Notes

To ensure the best texture, always use room temperature ingredients to prevent the batter from curdling when mixing the champagne and fats. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, sparkling cider provides a similar lift and sweetness without the alcohol content.

Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American