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Perfect Pink Ombré Layer Cake

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An elegant and easy-to-make celebration cake featuring fluffy layers with a beautiful pink ombré gradient and silky cream cheese buttercream frosting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (320g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • Pink gel food coloring, natural or artificial, divided
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • A few drops pink gel food coloring (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch pans, or line with parchment circles.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, scraping down the sides after each addition. Add vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk in three parts, starting and ending with dry mix. Beat gently until just combined.
  6. Divide batter into four bowls. Leave one uncolored for the lightest layer. Add increasing amounts of pink gel food coloring to the other three bowls to create an ombré gradient.
  7. Pour each batter into cake pans. If only three pans, bake the lightest layer separately. Smooth tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Rotate pans halfway through baking.
  9. Cool layers in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks. Cool completely before frosting.
  10. For the buttercream, beat softened butter and cream cheese until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed.
  11. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream to reach spreadable consistency. Tint with a few drops of pink gel food coloring.
  12. Assemble cake by placing the darkest pink layer on a cake stand or plate. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with medium and light pink layers. Finish with the uncolored or very pale layer on top.
  13. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting around the entire cake. Chill for 15-20 minutes.
  14. Apply a thicker, smooth final layer of frosting. Use an offset spatula or bench scraper for clean edges. Chill again to set.
  15. Slice with a sharp serrated knife for neat layers.

Notes

Use gel food coloring for best ombré effect without thinning batter. Chill cake after crumb coating for smooth final frosting. Slice with a sharp serrated knife and wipe clean after each cut. Can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk for dairy-free version. Almond flour can be used for gluten-free but expect denser crumb.

Nutrition

Keywords: pink ombré cake, layer cake, celebration cake, buttercream frosting, elegant dessert, birthday cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/perfect-pink-ombr-e-layer-cake-recipe-easy-elegant-celebration-dessert-ideas/