Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easter cake is not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. The rich, fluffy vanilla cake paired with smooth vanilla buttercream frosting creates a perfect balance of flavors. The cake is decorated with speckled Cadbury eggs, making it both festive and fun. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking to impress your guests, this cake will steal the spotlight.
Ingredients
For the vanilla cake:
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flour
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baking powder
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salt
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butter (softened)
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granulated sugar
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egg whites
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vanilla extract
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milk
For the vanilla buttercream and decorations:
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butter (salted)
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powdered sugar
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vanilla extract
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heavy whipping cream
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food coloring (gel, in teal and black)
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mini Cadbury Eggs
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whipped cream or additional buttercream (optional for decoration)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare three cake pans by greasing them with shortening or butter and dusting with flour.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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Cream the butter and sugar in a stand mixer until light and fluffy.
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Add egg whites one at a time, mixing until just combined.
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Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Scrape the sides of the bowl often to ensure everything is well-combined.
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Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Tap the pans on the counter to release any air bubbles.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the frosting, cream butter in a stand mixer for 2-3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
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Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Increase speed to high for 1-2 minutes to achieve a whipped consistency. Add food coloring until the desired color is achieved.
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Once the cakes are cooled, level each layer to create even surfaces. Stack and frost the layers with the prepared buttercream.
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Decorate with mini Cadbury Eggs and additional whipped cream or buttercream if desired.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 10-12
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Prep Time: 45 minutes
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Bake Time: 30-35 minutes
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Cooling Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Variations
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For a different flavor, consider swapping out the vanilla for almond or lemon extract.
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You can use different Easter candies like jelly beans or chocolate bunnies for decoration.
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Try adding a layer of fruit preserves, such as raspberry or strawberry, between the cake layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for up to a week, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
FAQs
How can I make this cake ahead of time?
You can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and assembling.
Can I use a different type of frosting?
Yes, you can use cream cheese frosting or chocolate buttercream if you prefer a different flavor.
Is this cake gluten-free?
To make the cake gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I use a box cake mix for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a box cake mix, though homemade cake will yield a more flavorful result.
How can I make the frosting thicker?
If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
Can I decorate the cake with other Easter-themed items?
Absolutely! You can use any Easter candy, like marshmallow chicks or candy flowers, to decorate the cake.
How do I get the speckled effect on the frosting?
To achieve the speckled look, mix a small amount of black food coloring into a bit of frosting and flick it onto the cake with a spoon.
Can I use unsalted butter for the frosting?
Yes, but if you use unsalted butter, make sure to add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
What type of food coloring should I use for the frosting?
Gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without affecting the consistency of the frosting.
How can I ensure the cake layers are even?
Use a cake leveler or a sharp knife to trim the domed tops of the cake layers for a flat, even stack.
Conclusion
This Speckled Egg Easter Cake is the perfect dessert to celebrate the season. It’s not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the taste buds. With its light and fluffy vanilla cake, creamy frosting, and festive Cadbury egg decoration, it’s sure to be a hit at any Easter gathering.
PrintSpeckled Egg Easter Cake
This vibrant Speckled Egg Easter Cake is a festive dessert perfect for your holiday celebrations. With layers of fluffy vanilla cake, smooth vanilla buttercream frosting, and a speckled egg decoration, it’s a delicious and visually stunning centerpiece for Easter.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cooling Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Cake:
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
6 large egg whites
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup milk
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting and Decoration:
1 cup salted butter (softened)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
¼ cup heavy whipping cream
Food coloring (gel, in teal and black)
12–16 mini Cadbury eggs
Whipped cream or additional buttercream (optional for decoration)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 9-inch cake pans, dusting with flour.
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In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
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In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites one at a time, mixing until just combined.
-
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Scrape the bowl to ensure even mixing.
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Divide the batter between the cake pans, tapping them to release air bubbles. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
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Cool cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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For the frosting, cream the butter for 2-3 minutes in a stand mixer. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing after each addition.
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Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Increase mixer speed to high for 1-2 minutes for a whipped texture. Add food coloring to achieve desired color.
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Once cooled, level the cake layers and stack them, frosting with the prepared buttercream.
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Decorate with Cadbury eggs and optional whipped cream or additional buttercream.
Notes
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For a different flavor, try swapping the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract.
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For decoration, you can use other Easter candies like jelly beans or chocolate bunnies.
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If you prefer a fruity touch, add a layer of fruit preserves like raspberry or strawberry between the cake layers.