A double layer cake is a delightful dessert that combines two layers of cake with a rich filling and frosting. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just want to indulge in something sweet, a double layer cake is always a great choice. In this article, I will guide you through the step-by-step process of making a delicious double layer cake.
Ingredients
Before starting, ensure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need for the cake:
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (or 250 grams)
- Granulated Sugar: 1.5 cups (or 300 grams)
- Baking Powder: 1.5 teaspoons
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (or 1 stick, softened at room temperature)
- Milk: 1 cup (or 240 milliliters)
- Large Eggs: 2 (at room temperature)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
For the filling, you can use:
- Whipped Cream: 1.5 cups (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh Fruit: Such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries (optional)
- Jam: Any flavor of your choice (optional)
Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (or 2 sticks, softened at room temperature)
- Powdered Sugar: 4 cups (or 500 grams)
- Milk: 1/4 cup (or 60 milliliters, adjust as needed)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: 2 large bowls (one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients)
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: For mixing the batter and frosting
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients
- Sifter or Fine-Mesh Strainer: For sifting the flour, baking powder, and baking soda
- Rubber Spatula: For folding and mixing ingredients
- Parchment Paper: For lining the cake pans
- Round Cake Pans: 2 x 8-inch (or 20-centimeter) pans, greased and lined with parchment paper
- Cooling Rack: For cooling the cakes
- Offset Spatula: For spreading the frosting
- Piping Bags and Tips: Optional, for decorating the cake
Instructions
Prepare the Cake Pans
Grease the cake pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottoms with parchment paper circles. Grease the parchment paper as well. This will ensure that the cakes come out of the pans easily.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (or 175°C).
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In another large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
Pour the Batter into the Pans
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.
Bake the Cakes
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean.
Cool the Cakes
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edges to loosen them and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.Prepare the Filling
If you’re using whipped cream, you can make it homemade by beating heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. If using fresh fruit or jam, simply prepare it as needed.
Prepare the Frosting
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed until combined. Add the milk and vanilla extract and beat on high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Assemble the Cake
Once the cakes are completely cool, level the tops if necessary by trimming off any domes with a serrated knife. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a layer of filling (whipped cream, fruit, or jam) evenly over the top. Place the second cake layer on top of the filling.
Frost the Cake
Use an offset spatula to spread a thin crumb coat of frosting over the entire cake, including the sides. This will help seal in any crumbs and create a smooth surface for the final layer of frosting. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat. Once set, spread the remaining frosting over the cake, making it as smooth as possible.
Decorate the Cake
Decorate the cake as desired with additional whipped cream, fresh fruit, sprinkles, or any other decorations you like. You can also use piping bags and tips to create intricate designs.
Tips for Success
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients, especially the butter, eggs, and milk, are at room temperature before you start. This will ensure that the batter mixes together smoothly and evenly.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: Sifting the dry ingredients helps to remove any lumps and ensures that the baking powder and baking soda are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Not Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding the flour and milk. Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough.
Cooling Completely: Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting them. If they’re still warm, the frosting will melt and slide off.
Chilling the Crumb Coat: Chilling the cake after applying the crumb coat helps to set the frosting and makes it easier to spread the final layer of frosting smoothly.
Conclusion
Making a double layer cake may seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a beautiful and delicious dessert that will impress your friends and family. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make a double layer cake that is moist, fluffy, and perfectly frosted. So, why not give it a try and indulge in a sweet treat that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds?
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