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Perfect Vanilla Bean Zodiac Cake with Gold Leaf

vanilla bean zodiac cake with gold leaf - featured image
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A stunning vanilla bean cake decorated with zodiac symbols and edible gold leaf, perfect for birthdays and celebrations. This moist, tender cake features real vanilla bean paste and a buttery crumb that stays soft for days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons vanilla bean paste
  • 3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup (120 grams) full-fat sour cream
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) vegetable oil
  • For the Vanilla Bean Buttercream:
  • 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • For the Decorating:
  • 1–2 sheets edible gold leaf
  • Edible gold paint or luster dust (optional)
  • Small paintbrush (dedicated for food use)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch cake pans, line bottoms with parchment paper, and grease the parchment.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down bowl.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Add vanilla bean paste and beat until combined.
  5. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, sour cream, and vegetable oil.
  6. With mixer on low, add flour mixture in three additions, alternating with buttermilk mixture in two additions, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.
  8. For buttercream: Beat softened butter on medium speed 3-4 minutes until pale and creamy. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, beating on low. Add vanilla bean paste, salt, and heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until smooth and spreadable.
  9. Level cake tops with a serrated knife. Place one layer on cake board, spread 1 cup buttercream evenly. Top with second layer, cut-side down.
  10. Apply thin crumb coat of buttercream over entire cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes until firm.
  11. Apply remaining buttercream in thick, even layer. Smooth with offset spatula.
  12. Use toothpick to sketch zodiac symbols on cake. Trace with edible gold paint or luster dust. Apply gold leaf pieces with dry paintbrush, pressing lightly.

Notes

Room temperature ingredients are crucial for proper emulsification. Do not overmix batter once flour is added. Chill cake before decorating for easier frosting application. Gold leaf is forgiving; imperfections add to the handmade look. Cake can be made a day ahead; add gold leaf just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla bean cake, zodiac cake, gold leaf cake, birthday cake, celebration cake, vanilla buttercream, astrological cake

Find it online: https://zestynora.com/perfect-vanilla-bean-zodiac-cake-with-gold-leaf/