Baby Shower Cake Recipe

Planning a baby shower calls for a cake that’s as delightful as it is delicious. This recipe is for a classic layered cake with a light, moist crumb and decorated with a smooth buttercream frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a boy, girl, or opting for a neutral theme, this cake can be customized to suit any color scheme or design preference. Let’s create a cake that’s both a showstopper and a tasty treat!

Equipment:

• 3 (8-inch or 9-inch) round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer
• Spatula
• Offset spatula or piping bags for decorating
• Cake stand or serving platter

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk, room temperature

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
• 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• Food coloring of choice for decorations (optional)

Optional Decorations:

• Fondant baby booties, pacifiers, or tiny rattles
• Edible pearls or sprinkles
• Fresh flowers or edible flower petals

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cake Layers
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
   In a separate bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Add half of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, followed by half of the milk, and mix on low speed. Add the remaining dry ingredients and milk, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
4. Bake the Cake Layers
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
5. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until incorporated. Add the heavy cream and vanilla, and beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy. If desired, tint portions of the frosting with food coloring to match your baby shower theme.
6. Assemble the Cake
   Place the first cake layer on a cake stand or serving platter. Spread an even layer of buttercream on top, then add the second layer, repeating with frosting. Place the third layer on top, applying a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) over the entire cake to seal in crumbs. Chill for 20 minutes, then apply a final layer of frosting, smoothing with an offset spatula.
7. Decorate
   Use a piping bag to create borders, rosettes, or other designs with colored frosting. Add fondant decorations, edible pearls, or flowers for an elegant touch.

Presentation Ideas:

• Top with small fondant baby decorations, such as booties or a pacifier, and sprinkle edible pearls around the base for added elegance.
• Create a gradient or ombré effect with the frosting by gradually adding more food coloring as you go up each cake layer.
• Pipe tiny pastel flowers along the sides of the cake to enhance the soft, welcoming theme of a baby shower.

Tips:

• Chill the cake layers in the fridge for easier handling while frosting.
• A crumb coat helps keep the final layer of frosting smooth and crumb-free.
• Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant colors without affecting frosting consistency.
• Fondant or buttercream decorations can be made ahead to save time on the day of the event.

This baby shower cake recipe is not only a delicious treat but also a charming centerpiece that adds joy to any celebration. With its soft, tender layers and smooth buttercream frosting, it’s a perfect way to welcome a new little one. Customize the colors and decorations to fit the baby shower theme, and get ready to wow your guests!