Introduction
Are you looking for a showstopping cake recipe that will leave your guests in awe? Look no further than this 3 tier cake buttercream recipe! Perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any special occasion, this recipe will have you feeling like a professional baker in no time.
Ingredients
For the cake layers:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the buttercream frosting:
- 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
For the cake layers:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch cake pans.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add the flour mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool in their pans for 10 minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on wire racks to cool completely.
For the buttercream frosting:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
- Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and creamy.
To assemble the cake:
- Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter.
- Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top of the cake layer.
- Repeat with the remaining cake layers and frosting, stacking the layers on top of each other.
- Use a spatula to smooth the frosting on the sides and top of the cake.
- Decorate the cake as desired.
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes 16 servings. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 820
- Total Fat: 41g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Cholesterol: 156mg
- Sodium: 202mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 109g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 92g
- Protein: 4g
Cooking Time
Preparation time for this cake is approximately 45 minutes, while baking time is around 25-30 minutes. Allow extra time for cooling and frosting the cake.
Equipment
- 3 8-inch cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Mixing spoons
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Cake stand or serving platter
Serving Suggestions
This cake is perfect for any special occasion, and can be decorated to match the theme of your event. Serve it as the centerpiece of your dessert table or as a showstopping birthday cake.
Variations
This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your preferences. Add food coloring to the frosting to match your event’s color scheme, or add different extracts to give the cake a unique flavor. You can also add fresh fruit or other toppings to decorate the cake.
Substitutions
If you don’t have whole milk, you can use any type of milk you have on hand. You can also substitute the unsalted butter in the frosting with salted butter, but be sure to omit the salt from the cake recipe.
Storage
This cake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
Tips
To make sure your cakes come out evenly, weigh your ingredients instead of measuring them by volume. Use a cake leveler or a serrated knife to level the tops of your cakes before frosting them.
Notes
Be sure to let your cakes cool completely before frosting them, or the frosting will melt and slide off the cake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the cakes ahead of time and freeze them until you’re ready to frost them. Thaw them in the refrigerator before frosting. Can I use a different frosting? Yes, you can use any type of frosting you prefer. This cake pairs well with cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, or whipped cream frosting. Can I make this cake in a different size? Yes, you can adjust the recipe to make smaller or larger cakes. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Conclusion
This 3 tier cake buttercream recipe is the perfect way to impress your guests at any special occasion. The light and fluffy cake layers paired with the creamy buttercream frosting is a match made in heaven. Give this recipe a try and unleash your inner baker today!