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Perfect Modern Minimalist Buttercream Birthday Cake

modern minimalist buttercream birthday cake - featured image
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A quick and easy minimalist buttercream birthday cake decorated with fresh flowers, perfect for any celebration. This cake balances simplicity and elegance with a light, rich texture and smooth buttercream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature (or almond milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • Fresh flowers (edible or pesticide-free, e.g., rosebuds, lavender sprigs, small daisies)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until pale and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may look slightly curdled; this is normal.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until combined; do not overmix.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Let the cakes cool in pans for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. While cakes cool, prepare the buttercream by beating softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
  11. Gradually add powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, beating on low between additions.
  12. Add 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream and beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Adjust cream or sugar for desired consistency.
  13. Level the cake layers by trimming domed tops with a serrated knife if needed.
  14. Place one cake layer on a serving plate or turntable. Spread a thick, even layer of buttercream on top.
  15. Stack the second layer and apply a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill the cake in the fridge for 20 minutes to set.
  16. Apply a final smooth layer of buttercream using an offset spatula, rotating the cake for even coverage.
  17. Trim flower stems and wrap them in floral tape or plastic to keep them safe. Arrange fresh flowers sparingly on top for a minimalist effect.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to avoid toughness. Use an offset spatula for smooth frosting. Chill crumb coat before final frosting. Wrap flower stems to prevent direct contact with cake. Can substitute gluten-free flour and dairy-free milk as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: buttercream birthday cake, minimalist cake, fresh flower cake, easy birthday cake, simple buttercream cake, modern cake decoration

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/perfect-modern-minimalist-buttercream-birthday-cake-easy-fresh-flower-decorating-ideas/