Delicate cream cake: from novice to expert, Master cake baking skills

Baking a cake is always satisfying, but decorating it is where the real magic happens. A beautifully decorated cake not only tastes delicious, but it also becomes the centerpiece of any event. If you want to create a cake that is both delicious and visually stunning, a simple, elegant flower-decorated cake like the one pictured here is perfect.

Bake the perfect cake base:

The first step in any cake creation is the baking itself. The right cake base is essential to creating a beautiful, moist cake that can hold up to the delicate decorations. For this recipe, we will be using a simple vanilla cake base that can be customized to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2.5 teaspoons baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl and set aside.

3. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Beat in the eggs one by one, then add the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the cake pans and smooth the tops.

7. Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

8. Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.

Frost the cake:

For a simple and elegant finishing touch, a smooth and soft buttercream frosting works great for cakes like the one in the picture. It has a creamy texture and can be easily piped or spread for a perfect look.

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 2 - 3 tablespoons milk (as needed for consistency)

• A pinch of salt

Tips:

1. Beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.

2. Whisk constantly while gradually adding powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time.

3. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

4. Slowly add milk, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches the desired consistency.

5. Spread the frosting evenly over the cooled cake and smooth it out with a spatula to create a beautiful, even coating.

Decorate the cake with flowers:

Now comes the fun part—decorating the cake! Flower decorations can add a touch of elegance to a cake, and flowers come in a variety of shapes and colors to suit any occasion. For the cake shown in the picture, simple white flowers paired with a hint of pink make it look both sophisticated and natural.

Flowers used:

• Baby's breath

• Lily daffodil (Peruvian lily)

• Rose (for an elegant touch)

Tips:

1. Make sure the flowers are safe to eat and wash them gently to remove any dirt or pesticides.

2. Cut the flower stems short and then arrange the flowers strategically on top of the cake. They can be clustered together or scattered across the top of the cake for a more natural, wilder look.

3. Use floral wire or a small amount of icing to hold the flowers in place if desired.

Extras:

To finish off the cake, consider adding a few extra touches to enhance its beauty:

• Sprinkle with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar can make the cake look soft and elegant without covering up the flowers.

• Edible gold leaf: For a more luxurious look, small pieces of edible gold leaf can add a touch of sparkle.

• Greenery: A few sprigs of leaves can complement the flowers and create a natural, fresh atmosphere.

Serve and enjoy:

Once decorated, the cake is ready to enjoy! The soft, creamy buttercream frosting paired with the subtle scent of fresh flowers is sure to impress your guests. Perfect for weddings, birthdays, or any special occasion, this cake is not only a treat for the taste buds, but also a feast for the eyes. Whether you are an experienced baker or a beginner, decorating a cake with flowers is a wonderful way to add a personal touch to your creation. The key to success is to take your time and embrace the beauty of a simple, elegant design. Happy baking and decorating, and enjoy your beautiful cakes!