Retro Vanilla Layer Cake with Buttercream and Cherries
This recipe is inspired by the three-layer vanilla cake with decorative blue and red buttercream frosting and maraschino cherries shown in the image.
Ingredients
- all-purpose flour
- granulated sugar
- baking powder
- salt
- eggs
- whole milk
- unsalted butter
- vanilla extract
- unsalted butter
- powdered sugar
- heavy cream
- vanilla extract
- salt
- blue food coloring
- red food coloring
- raspberry jam
- maraschino cherries
- gold sprinkles
Method
- 1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- 2
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- 4
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- 5
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
- 6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
- 7
Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- 8
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until creamy.
- 9
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
- 10
Add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- 11
Divide the frosting into three bowls. Leave one bowl white. Tint the second bowl with blue food coloring to achieve a light, dusky blue. Tint the third bowl with red food coloring to create a muted, reddish-pink color.
- 12
Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a thin, even layer of jam over the top.
- 13
Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with the jam. Top with the third cake layer.
- 14
Apply a thin "crumb coat" of white frosting over the entire cake to trap any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.
- 15
Once chilled, apply a smooth, final coat of white frosting to the top and sides of the cake.
- 16
Transfer the blue and red frostings to separate piping bags fitted with star or shell tips.
- 17
Following the pattern in the image, pipe a border of alternating light and dark blue shells around the top and bottom edges of the cake.
- 18
Pipe a decorative red swag or shell border around the side of the cake, just below the top edge.
- 19
Place the maraschino cherries evenly spaced on top of the blue frosting border.
- 20
Add a few gold sprinkles for a final touch, if desired.
- 21
Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the frosting to set.
Never lose a recipe again
Save recipes from anywhere, get organized cookbooks, and cook hands-free — all in BeChef.