Description
This classic Engagement Cake is a moist, tender layered cake perfect for celebratory occasions. With a rich vanilla-flavored batter paired with smooth cream cheese frosting, it makes for an elegant and delicious centerpiece. Optional fondant and fresh flower decorations add a beautiful finish to this impressive dessert.
Ingredients
Cake 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
Frosting Ingredients
- 8 oz Cream cheese (For frosting)
- 3 cups Powdered sugar (Sifted)
- 0.5 cup Heavy cream (Adjust for consistency)
Decoration
- Food coloring (Optional)
- Fresh flowers (For decoration)
- Fondant (For smooth finish (optional))
Instructions
- Prepare pans: Grease and line 2–3 round cake pans with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake layers.
- Mix batter: Cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternate adding the sifted dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) and wet ingredients (milk, vanilla extract) to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined for a smooth batter.
- Bake layers: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & level: Remove the cake layers from the oven and cool them completely on a wire rack. Use a serrated knife or cake leveler to trim the tops off for an even surface.
- Make frosting: Beat cream cheese, sifted powdered sugar, and heavy cream together until smooth and fluffy, adjusting the cream amount for desired consistency.
- Stack layers: Place the first cake layer on a cake board. Spread a layer of frosting evenly on top. Repeat alternating cake layers and frosting to build the cake.
- Crumb coat: Apply a thin layer of frosting all around the cake to trap crumbs. Chill the cake briefly in the refrigerator to set the crumb coat.
- Final frost: Apply a thick, smooth layer of frosting over the crumb coat using an offset spatula and a bench scraper for clean edges and smooth surfaces.
- Decorate: Use piping bags for decorative frosting work. Add fresh flowers, tinted frosting with food coloring, or cover with fondant if desired for a professional and elegant finish.
- Chill & serve: Refrigerate the decorated cake before slicing to ensure clean cuts and maintain the structure. Serve chilled for best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing for best results.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and moist.
- Use a serrated knife gently to level cake layers to avoid crumbling.
- Adjust the amount of heavy cream in the frosting to achieve the desired thickness.
- Chilling the cake between frosting stages helps achieve a smooth finish.
- Fresh flowers should be pesticide-free and safe for cake decoration.
- Fondant is optional and can be used for a smooth, polished look.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
