Delight your guests with the enchanting Bubble Gum Layer Cake, a stunning dessert perfect for any festive celebration. This cake combines the nostalgic flavor of bubble gum with the elegance of a multi-layered cake, complete with a creamy pastry filling and a whimsical white chocolate drip. It’s not only a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes, making it the ultimate centerpiece for birthday parties, showers, or any fun gathering.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- Whole milk, room temp: 1 3/4 cups (420g)
- Egg whites: 6 large
- Vanilla extract: 1 tbsp
- Bubble gum flavoring: 2 tsp
- Sour cream, room temp: 2/3 cup (150g)
- Cake flour: 4 1/3 cups (498g)
- Granulated sugar: 2 1/2 cups (500g)
- Baking powder: 1 1/4 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1/2 tsp
- Unsalted butter, room temp: 1 1/4 cups (282g)
- Pink gel food coloring
Pastry Cream Filling:
- Half and half: 2 cups
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup (divided)
- Vanilla bean (halved and seeded): 1/2
- Salt: 1/8 tsp
- Egg yolks: 5 large
- Cornstarch: 3 tbsp
- Unsalted butter: 4 tbsp
Bubble Gum Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: 2 cups
- Vegetable shortening: 1/2 cup
- Salt: Pinch
- Bubble gum flavoring: 1 tsp
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Powdered sugar: 6 1/2 cups (820g)
White Chocolate Drip:
- White chocolate candy melts: 1 cup (180g)
- Heavy cream: 1/4 cup (2 ounces)
Directions:
- Bake the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Spray three 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray.
- Mix milk, egg whites, vanilla, bubble gum flavoring, and sour cream.
- Combine dry ingredients, then add butter gradually to form pea-sized pieces.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients to form a smooth batter. Divide into pans, swirling for a marbled effect.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, then cool.
- Prepare Pastry Cream:
- Simmer half and half, vanilla, and half of the sugar. Whisk yolks with cornstarch and remaining sugar.
- Temper yolks with hot milk, then return to heat, cooking until thick.
- Remove from heat, add butter, and chill with plastic wrap on surface.
- Make Frosting:
- Beat butter, shortening, and salt. Add flavoring and cream, then sift in powdered sugar.
- Beat until fluffy. Reserve some and tint pink for decorating.
- Assemble Cake:
- Layer cakes with pastry cream filling. Frost with crumb coat, then apply final frosting layer.
- Decorate with white chocolate drip and alternate rings of pink and white frosting.
Prep Time: Approx. 2 hours Cook Time: 35 minutes Total Time: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes Yield: 12 servings Category: Dessert Method: Baking Cuisine: American Diet: Vegetarian Calories: Approx. 753 kcal per serving
Tips:
- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
- Use a turntable for frosting to achieve smooth, even layers.
- Chill cake before applying the chocolate drip for better control and appearance.
FAQs:
- Can I make this cake a day ahead? Yes, the cake layers can be baked ahead and assembled on the day of serving.
- How should I store the cake? Store the cake in the refrigerator due to its cream-based filling and frosting.
- Can I substitute the bubble gum flavoring? While bubble gum flavoring is key to this recipe, you could experiment with other fun flavors like strawberry or raspberry.
Conclusion: The Bubble Gum Layer Cake is a whimsical and impressive dessert that is sure to captivate and delight at any party. With its playful flavors and elegant presentation, this cake is not just a treat to eat but also a joy to behold, making any celebration a memorable event. Enjoy the process of creating and sharing this fun, festive cake!