DESSERT

Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream

Introduction

This Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream is a true gem of homemade baking. Soft, fluffy, and with a delicate vanilla aroma, this cake is ideal for special celebrations or simply to give a sweet moment to those you love. The combination of an airy sponge cake and a smooth, silky buttercream makes it a classic that never goes out of style.

Its pink decoration, with handmade flowers and greenery accents, not only makes it visually charming but also perfect for birthdays, baby showers, Mother’s Day, or any occasion that deserves a touch of tenderness and color. This recipe, although simple, allows you to show off your cooking skills and express affection through every layer. A delight as beautiful as it is tasty!

History of Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream

Vanilla cake is one of the most traditional and versatile recipes in the world’s confectionery. Its origins date back to the 19th century, when vanilla began to be used more frequently in European cuisine thanks to the spice trade from Latin America and Madagascar. At that time, it was considered an exotic and luxurious spice and was reserved for special desserts in wealthy homes and festive events.

As vanilla became more widely available, vanilla sponge cake quickly became popular for its mild flavor and ability to pair with a wide variety of toppings and fillings. In the Americas, especially in the United States and Latin America, this cake became a staple at family celebrations: birthdays, weddings, baptisms, and school parties.

Buttercream , also known as buttercream , has roots in both French and American cuisine. It was perfected in the early 20th century as a more stable and decorative alternative to traditional creams. Thanks to its dense yet malleable texture, it became the ideal complement to decorate cakes with flowers, shapes, and colors, marking the beginning of creative and artistic pastry making.

The pink version with floral decorations was born from the aesthetic trend that blends romance and vintage. This presentation began gaining popularity in the 1950s and 1960s, at children’s parties and women’s celebrations. Today, this delicate and charming style has re-emerged strongly on social media and in modern baking, combining tradition with personal touches.

The vanilla cake with pink cream is, therefore, a fusion of history, love, and creativity. It represents the best of pastry tradition, adapted to the taste and style of each generation.

Ingredients

For the cake:

  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 cups sifted wheat flour (approximately 250 g)
  • 1 cup of white sugar (200 g)
  • 1 cup of whole milk (240 ml)
  • ½ cup melted butter (approximately 115 g)
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla essence

For the buttercream:

  • 250g unsalted butter , at room temperature (very important to achieve a creamy texture)
  • 400 g icing sugar (sifted to avoid lumps)
  • 2 tablespoons of cold milk
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
  • Pink and white gel food coloring (for better intensity without affecting the texture)
  • Green gel food coloring (for decorating leaves)

Step-by-step preparation

Preparation of the cake:

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 22-24 cm round baking pan with butter and a little flour or wax paper.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until they double in volume and the mixture looks foamy and pale (you can use an electric mixer for 5-6 minutes).
  3. Gradually add the melted butter and vanilla essence , mixing gently with circular movements.
  4. In another bowl, sift the flour with the baking powder . Add this dry mixture to the egg mixture, alternating with the milk , in 2 or 3 parts. Mix slowly until combined, without overmixing to avoid losing the incorporated air.
  5. Pour the mixture into the mold and bake for 35 to 40 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  6. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Preparing the buttercream:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter for 5 minutes, until very creamy and light.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar , beating well after each addition. The mixture should become smooth and airy.
  3. Add the milk and vanilla essence , and beat for 1-2 more minutes.
  4. Divide the cream into parts :
    • One part is left white.
    • Another is dyed with pink food coloring until the desired shade is obtained.
    • A small portion is dyed green for decorative leaves.

Cake decoration:

  1. With the cake completely cooled, cover with a thin layer of pink buttercream to smooth the surface.
  2. Using an open star nozzle , pipe flowers on top of the cake using pink and white frosting alternately.
  3. Use a leaf nozzle to add green details between the flowers.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the cream to set before serving.

Texture and flavor

This cake is characterized by its soft and fluffy crumb , thanks to the careful incorporation of air into the beaten eggs and the lightness of the melted butter. The natural vanilla flavor is delicate, aromatic, and comforting.
The pink buttercream adds a rich, silky, and slightly sweet layer that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the sponge. The combination results in an elegant, balanced, and deeply satisfying cake , ideal for lovers of classic desserts with a special visual touch.

Consumer context

This cake is ideal for special celebrations such as birthdays, baby showers, Mother’s Day, or Valentine’s Day. It can also be served as a dessert at a family meal or as a romantic treat.
Thanks to its festive and romantic appearance , it’s a popular choice for artisan bakeries and dessert tables. It can even be the perfect choice for afternoon tea or a get-together with friends.

Visual appearance

Visually, this cake is a sweet sight . Its pink and white buttercream frosting , with decorative flowers made with a piping bag, makes it an edible work of art.
The contrast between the soft colors and the green details of the leaves make it look like something straight out of a fine pastry case. Perfect for showing off in photographs and on social media.

Curiosities

  • Buttercream originated in French pastry, although it became popular in the United States .
  • Different shades of pink can be created by using more or less gel coloring, creating an “ombré” effect.
  • This type of cake is excellent for learning basic piping techniques.
  • You can transform this cake into a more aromatic version by adding lemon or almond zest to the batter.

Estimated nutritional value (1/10 of the cake)

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Carbohydrates: 46 g
  • Sugars: 32 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g

This value is approximate and may vary depending on the brands of ingredients used.

Additional benefits and interesting facts

  • Although it’s an indulgent dessert, by making it at home you can control the quality of the ingredients , using real butter, natural vanilla extract, and reducing the sugar if desired.
  • Using gel colorants instead of liquids allows you to achieve intense colors without altering the texture of the cream.
  • You can substitute the wheat flour with a gluten-free mix if you want a gluten-free version.
  • Refrigerate well before serving: the texture will be firmer and easier to cut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an essence other than vanilla?
Yes, you can use almond, coconut, orange, or lemon, depending on your desired flavor profile.

What do I do if I don’t have a piping bag?
You can apply the cream with a spatula or spoon for a charming rustic effect. You can also use a plastic bag with a small snip in one corner.

How long does this cake last refrigerated?
Up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can it be frozen?
Yes, the cake itself (undecorated) can be frozen for up to 2 months. The buttercream can also be frozen, although it needs to be beaten again after defrosting.

What type of food coloring is best? Gel food colorings
are the most recommended because they have greater pigmentation and don’t affect the texture.

Conclusion

The Vanilla Cake with Pink Buttercream is not just a dessert, but a true expression of love, creativity, and pastry tradition. Its delicate vanilla flavor, combined with the softness of the sponge cake and the creaminess of the buttercream, make it a complete sensorial experience: visually enchanting, aromatically delicious, and perfectly balanced in flavor and texture.

This cake stands out for its versatility: you can adapt it to different celebrations and customize its decoration to suit any special occasion. From a children’s birthday party to an intimate wedding, it always adds a romantic and festive touch.

Plus, by preparing it at home, you can take care of every detail and make it healthier with quality ingredients. Decorating it can also be a fun and artistic activity, ideal for sharing with family or friends.

Whether you’re looking for a dessert to surprise, celebrate, or simply indulge in a sweet treat, this cake is a sure bet. Its charm lies in its simplicity, enhanced by the love with which it’s prepared and shared.