Ingredients
Scale
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup whole milk
- Blue food coloring (various shades)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three round cake pans. Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla bean paste.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Step 6: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Color one bowl with a light blue shade of food coloring, another with a medium blue shade, and leave the third plain (or make it darker if desired).
- Step 7: Pour each colored batter into its own prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 8: Once baked, let the cakes cool in their pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
- Step 9: Assemble your cake by stacking the layers from dark to light blue, using buttercream frosting between each layer to help adhere them together. Finally, frost the entire cake with a ruffled ombre effect using different shades of blue buttercream.
Notes
- For optimal freshness, store your blue ombre cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
- If you have leftovers, gently reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm treat without compromising the cake's moisture.
- Serve this stunning cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side to complement the flavors and add a delightful contrast to the vibrant layers.
- For best results when making the frosting, ensure your butter is at room temperature before mixing for a smooth and creamy texture that holds its shape beautifully when piped into ruffles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 30g