Violet Cascade Cake

The Violet Cascade Cake is a sophisticated dessert featuring delicate violet decorations and a light, airy buttercream frosting. Its subtle purple hue and elegant presentation make it perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 5 large egg whites
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Purple food coloring (optional)

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Purple food coloring (optional)

For Decoration:

• Edible violet flowers
• Edible glitter (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
4. Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined. If desired, add purple food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
5. Bake the Cake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. Prepare Buttercream Frosting: For the buttercream frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until smooth. Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, beating until light and fluffy. If desired, add purple food coloring to achieve the desired shade.
7. Frost the Cake: Frost the cooled cakes with a thin layer of buttercream frosting (crumb coat) and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Apply a second layer of buttercream, smoothing it out evenly.
8. Decorate: Decorate the cake with edible violet flowers, creating a cascade effect from the top to the side of the cake. Add edible glitter for an extra touch of sparkle if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Cooling Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Servings: 16 slices

Variations

• Color Variations: Adjust the shade of purple using different amounts of food coloring or try other pastel colors.
• Frosting Variations: Use flavored extracts, such as almond or lemon, in the frosting for a unique twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Serve the cake at room temperature. If refrigerated or frozen, allow it to come to room temperature before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of food coloring?
   Yes, gel or paste food coloring is recommended for a more vibrant hue without affecting the cake’s texture.
2. What if I don’t have three cake pans?
   You can bake the cakes in batches using fewer pans. Just ensure each layer is evenly baked and cooled before stacking.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
   Yes, you can bake and freeze the cake layers in advance. Frost the cake when you are ready to serve.
4. How can I avoid the cake sticking to the pans?
   Use parchment paper on the bottom of the pans and make sure the sides are well greased and floured.
5. How do I achieve a smooth buttercream finish?
   Use a bench scraper or offset spatula to smooth out the frosting, and chill the cake between layers for a more even finish.
6. Can I use a different type of frosting?
   Yes, you can substitute cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a different flavor profile.
7. How can I get a vibrant purple color?
   Start with a small amount of purple food coloring and gradually add more until you reach the desired shade.
8. What should I do if my cakes domed?
   Level the cakes with a serrated knife before frosting to ensure an even surface.
9. Can I use fresh violets from my garden?
   Only use violets that are grown organically and are safe for consumption. Ensure they are free from pesticides and chemicals.
10. How can I make the cake sparkle?
    Add edible glitter to the frosting for a sparkling effect that will make the cake even more festive.

Conclusion

The Violet Cascade Cake is a beautiful and elegant dessert that adds a touch of sophistication to any occasion. Its soft texture and delicate flavor, paired with the gorgeous violet decorations, make it a memorable treat for your guests.

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