Name: Engagement Cake Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted); 2 cups Granulated sugar; 1 cup Unsalted butter (Room temperature); 4 large Eggs; 1 cup Whole milk; 2 tsp Vanilla extract (Pure); 2.5 tsp Baking powder; 0.5 tsp Salt; 8 oz Cream cheese (For frosting); 3 cups Powdered sugar (Sifted); 0.5 cup Heavy cream (Adjust for consistency); Food coloring (Optional); Fresh flowers (For decoration); Fondant (For smooth finish (optional))

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 53 reviews

If you’re on the lookout for a show-stopping dessert that brings joy and elegance to any special occasion, this Engagement Cake Recipe has got you covered. It’s a delightful layered cake with a luscious cream cheese frosting that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, smooth and fluffy. Whether you’re celebrating a newly engaged couple or simply craving a cake that feels both classic and personal, this recipe is packed with straightforward steps and simple ingredients that turn out a stunning centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls and a small jar arranged neatly. The bowls contain different baking ingredients: white flour, white sugar, white salt, smooth cream cheese, light yellow butter cubes, a few dark brown cocoa powder, a small bowl of transparent light yellow oil, thick white cream, brown vanilla extract, a bowl of white powdery baking soda or baking powder, and two brown eggs placed directly on the surface. There is also a small glass jar partly filled with white milk and a few delicate light pink flowers scattered around the bowls for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Engagement Cake Recipe starts with humble, easy-to-find ingredients that blend harmoniously to create moist layers and a creamy frosting. Each component plays a vital role—from the all-purpose flour providing structure to the cream cheese adding that irresistible tangy richness to the frosting.

3 cups All-purpose flour (Sifted): Ensures a light, tender crumb by preventing lumps in your batter.
2 cups Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly and helps with a tender texture.
1 cup Unsalted butter (Room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for a soft cake.
4 large Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together beautifully.
1 cup Whole milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender, balancing the dry ingredients.
2 tsp Vanilla extract (Pure): Brings a warm, fragrant aroma that enhances all the flavors.
2.5 tsp Baking powder: Gives the cake that perfect rise and fluffy texture.
0.5 tsp Salt: Elevates the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
8 oz Cream cheese (For frosting): Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the cake layers.
3 cups Powdered sugar (Sifted): Sweetens and thickens the cream cheese frosting to a silky finish.
0.5 cup Heavy cream (Adjust for consistency): Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect frosting texture.
Food coloring (Optional): Allows you to personalize your frosting for a festive or elegant touch.
Fresh flowers (For decoration): Adds natural beauty and a delicate aesthetic to your finished cake.
Fondant (For smooth finish, optional): Gives a polished, professional look for special celebrations.

How to Make Engagement Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pans

Start by greasing and lining 2 to 3 round cake pans with parchment paper to ensure your cakes come out clean and unstuck. This little prep step makes a huge difference when it’s time to remove your delicate layers.

Step 2: Mix The Batter

Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy—this infuses air into your batter, helping your cake rise beautifully. Then, add your eggs one at a time to keep that smooth texture. Alternate folding in your sifted dry ingredients with the milk and vanilla to create a well-balanced, velvety batter.

Step 3: Bake The Layers

Divide the batter evenly into your prepared pans and bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Patience here results in perfectly cooked layers that aren’t underdone or dry.

Step 4: Cool and Level The Cakes

Once baked, cool your cakes on wire racks to room temperature—this prevents any frosting mishaps caused by warm cake. Level the tops with a serrated knife or cake leveler for even stacking, creating a sleek and professional look.

Step 5: Make The Frosting

Whip the cream cheese with powdered sugar and heavy cream until you get a smooth, silky frosting. Be sure to adjust the cream quantity to your desired consistency—whether you want it thick for panelling or a bit softer for spreading.

Step 6: Stack and Crumb Coat

Begin layering your cake and frosting alternately on a cake board. After the first layer is stacked, apply a thin crumb coat to trap any stray crumbs. Chill the cake briefly so that the crumb coat sets perfectly, making your final frosting application a breeze.

Step 7: Final Frosting and Decorate

Apply a generous and smooth final layer of frosting using an offset spatula and bench scraper for a clean finish. Now is the time to get creative—whether it’s piping rosettes, adding a splash of food coloring, laying fresh flowers on top, or covering it with fondant for a sublime finish.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Pop the finished cake into the refrigerator before slicing. Chilling firms everything up, so when you cut it, you get those beautiful, clean slices that everyone will admire before they taste.

How to Serve Engagement Cake Recipe

The image shows a single-layer round cake with a smooth white frosting that has a slightly rough texture. Around the base of the cake is a border made of small white frosting dollops. On top of the cake, there is a small bouquet of soft peach-colored roses and tiny white flowers with some green leaves scattered among them. Nestled in the flowers is a silver ring with a clear gemstone. The cake sits on a white stand on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh flowers are a stunning choice for garnishing this Engagement Cake Recipe, adding a pop of natural color and delicate charm. Edible gold leaf or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also elevate the presentation for a refined touch.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a light berry compote or a bowl of fresh seasonal fruits to complement the creamy frosting. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of sparkling wine can also make the perfect companion for your cake celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box by layering different colors of frosting or adding a surprise filling like lemon curd or raspberry jam between the layers. Personalize your cake with a custom topper or hand-piped messages to make the moment even more memorable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After serving, cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain its moisture and flavor for up to 3 days without any loss of texture.

Freezing

You can freeze unfrosted layers wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to a month. For frosted cakes, freeze them uncovered on a tray first, then wrap carefully once solid to avoid frost damage. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

For an extra cozy touch, slice a piece and warm it gently in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the cake and slightly melts the frosting to a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cream cheese for the frosting?

It’s best to use full-fat cream cheese for that rich, creamy texture and tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Low-fat versions may alter the taste and consistency.

Is it okay to substitute butter with oil?

Butter contributes both flavor and structure, so it’s recommended to stick with it especially for this Engagement Cake Recipe. Oil can make the cake more moist but may change the texture slightly.

How do I get perfectly flat cake layers?

Cooling your cakes completely and then leveling with a serrated knife or a cake leveler is key. You can also bake cakes on baking strips which help the layers rise more evenly.

Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

With some ingredient swaps like flax eggs, dairy-free milk, vegan butter, and cream cheese alternatives, you can create a vegan version—but expect slight differences in texture and flavor.

How far in advance can I prepare the cake?

This cake can be baked and frosted up to two days in advance if kept refrigerated, which helps the flavors meld wonderfully. Just bring it to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making this Engagement Cake Recipe for the people you care about—its layers of flavor and creamy frosting create moments worth savoring. Don’t be intimidated; the straightforward steps lead to a cake that feels as celebratory as the occasion itself. Give it a go, and watch how it becomes an instant favorite in your recipe collection.