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Elegant vanilla cake decorated with gold leaf, fresh pink and fuchsia flowers, and a "Happy Birthday" topper.

Elegant Vanilla Celebration Cake With Gold Leaf And Fresh Flowers

A stunning and luxurious vanilla cake decorated with edible gold leaf and fresh flowers, perfect for special celebrations.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter
  • 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
  • ½ cup sour cream, room temperature
Buttercream
  • 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 3 tbsp whole milk or cream
  • 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
Decorations
  • 2 sheets edible gold leaf
  • 1 food-safe brush Food-safe brush
  • Fresh pink roses Fresh pink roses
  • Fresh hot pink zinnias or gerberas Fresh zinnias or gerberas
  • Fresh eucalyptus leaves Fresh eucalyptus leaves
  • 1 gold “Happy Birthday” cake topper Cake topper
  • 1 palm spear (optional, dried and food-safe) Palm spear optional
  • 1 6″ round cake board Cake board
  • 1 cake turntable Cake turntable recommended
  • 1 offset spatula and bench scraper Tools

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease pans, line with parchment, and dust with flour.
  2. Mix dry ingredients; beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla. Alternate adding dry and wet ingredients until smooth.
  3. Divide batter into pans, bake for 30–35 minutes, then cool completely.
  4. Prepare buttercream by beating butter, gradually adding powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and milk until fluffy. Assemble and frost the cake.
  5. Apply a crumb coat, chill, then add a final smooth layer. Decorate with gold leaf, flowers, and topper as desired.

Notes

Use food-safe tools when handling edible gold leaf to prevent tearing or contamination.