Introduction
Celebrate in style with this Birthday Cake with Bows — a stunning two-tier vanilla cake covered in silky buttercream and decorated with beautiful fondant bows. It’s soft, moist, and full of classic vanilla flavor, making it perfect for birthdays, parties, or any elegant celebration.
Ingredients List
For the Cake
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
For the Buttercream Frosting
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Fondant Bows
- 1 pound (450 g) fondant (store-bought or homemade)
- Food coloring (pink, white, or pastel shades)
- Cornstarch or powdered sugar (for dusting)
Timing
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Bake Time: 35 minutes
- Decorating Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: ~2 hours
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans (for the bottom tier) and one 6-inch pan (for the top tier).
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
- Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
- Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool completely on wire racks before frosting.
Step 3: Make the Buttercream Frosting
- Beat butter on high for 2 minutes until creamy.
- Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low.
- Add vanilla, salt, and heavy cream. Beat on high for 3–4 minutes until fluffy.
- If too thick, add a bit more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Step 4: Assemble and Frost the Cake
- Level the cakes using a serrated knife.
- Spread buttercream between each layer and stack.
- Frost the outside smoothly using an offset spatula.
- Chill for 20 minutes before decorating.
Step 5: Make the Fondant Bows
- Color fondant as desired. Roll it out on a surface dusted with cornstarch.
- Cut strips (about 1 inch wide) for the bow loops.
- Form loops by folding each strip and pinching the ends together.
- Let the loops dry for at least 1 hour to hold their shape.
- Assemble bows by layering loops and adding a small fondant strip in the center.
Step 6: Decorate the Cake
- Gently press fondant bows onto the chilled buttercream.
- Add ribbons or dots using extra fondant for a polished look.
- Top with candles or a personalized cake topper for the perfect celebration piece!
Nutritional Information (Per Slice – 12 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 56 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Sugar | 44 g |
| Sodium | 120 mg |
Tips & Variations
- Add lemon zest or almond extract for extra flavor.
- Use colored buttercream between layers for a surprise effect.
- For chocolate lovers, replace ½ cup flour with cocoa powder.
- Chill the fondant-decorated cake in a cool, dry place (avoid the fridge to prevent sweating).
Storing Tips
- Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: Store up to 5 days (bring to room temp before serving).
- Freeze: Wrap unfrosted layers tightly and freeze up to 2 months.
Conclusion
Elegant, moist, and absolutely show-stopping — this Birthday Cake with Bows is the perfect blend of beauty and flavor. It’s the ultimate centerpiece for any celebration, guaranteed to make everyone smile before the first slice is even cut! 🎀🎂
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