A metallic cake is an elegant and eye-catching dessert perfect for special occasions. The shimmering finish adds a touch of luxury, making it ideal for weddings, anniversaries, and other celebrations. Creating a metallic cake involves baking a delicious cake base, frosting it smoothly, and applying edible metallic decorations. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a stunning metallic cake.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, at room temperature
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
For the Frosting:
- 2 cups (450 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups (750 g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Metallic Finish:
- Edible metallic paint (available in gold, silver, bronze, etc.)
- Edible metallic dust
- Vodka or clear vanilla extract (for mixing with metallic dust)
- Soft, food-safe brushes
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients
Gather and measure all your ingredients before you start. This preparation step ensures a smooth baking process. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and removes any lumps, resulting in a lighter cake.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Continue to beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This step incorporates air into the batter, contributing to a tender crumb.
- Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the milk mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the flour mixture. Begin and end with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cakes
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Avoid opening the oven door frequently, as this can cause the cakes to deflate.
- Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling the cakes fully is essential for the frosting process.
- Prepare the Frosting
While the cakes are cooling, make the frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated. Add the milk and vanilla extract, then increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Place the second cake layer on top and press down gently to secure. Apply a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat) to the entire cake to seal in the crumbs. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set. After chilling, apply a final, smooth layer of frosting using an offset spatula for a clean finish.
- Apply the Metallic Finish
There are two main methods for achieving a metallic finish: using edible metallic paint or edible metallic dust mixed with vodka or clear vanilla extract.
Using Edible Metallic Paint:
- Pour a small amount of edible metallic paint into a dish.
- Use a soft, food-safe brush to paint the entire surface of the frosted cake evenly.
- Allow the paint to dry completely before handling the cake.
Using Edible Metallic Dust:
- Mix the edible metallic dust with a few drops of vodka or clear vanilla extract to create a paint-like consistency.
- Use a soft, food-safe brush to apply the mixture evenly over the frosted cake.
- Allow the cake to dry completely.
- Decorate Simply
For a true metallic cake, less is more. Consider adding simple decorations such as edible gold or silver leaf, small edible pearls, or a ribbon around the base of the cake. The goal is to maintain the metallic finish as the star of the show.
- Serve and Enjoy
Slice and serve your metallic cake. The shimmering finish will wow your guests, and the delicious flavor will keep them coming back for more.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature. This helps them blend more easily and creates a smoother batter.
- Proper Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Smoothing the Frosting: Use an offset spatula to achieve a smooth and even frosting layer. This will provide the perfect base for the metallic finish.
- Patience with Metallic Finish: Allow the metallic paint or dust to dry completely to avoid smudging and achieve a clean, professional look.
Conclusion
Creating a metallic cake is an exciting way to add a touch of glamour to your desserts. By following these steps, you can produce a cake that is not only visually stunning but also delicious. Whether for a wedding, anniversary, or any special event, a metallic cake is sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and decorating, and relish the luxurious result!
