Pink Peppercorn Pig Cake 

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Embark on a culinary adventure with this unique and whimsical Pink Peppercorn Pig Cake, combining the delicate flavors of pink peppercorn and vanilla with a zesty orange twist. This cake is not only a visual delight but also a tasteful masterpiece perfect for special occasions.

Ingredients:

Pink Peppercorn Cake:

  • 3 2/3 cups cake flour
  • 1 tbsp crushed pink peppercorns
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp fine salt
  • 3/4 tsp baking soda
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (3 sticks), room temperature
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 egg whites
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk

Vanilla Buttercream:

  • 2 1/4 cups unsalted butter (4 1/4 sticks), room temperature
  • 9 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt
  • Pink food dye

Whipped Filling:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp orange zest
  • 1 3/4 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

Cake Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and an 8-inch dome cake pan.
  2. In a bowl, combine cake flour, crushed pink peppercorns, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Gradually add the oil, then incorporate the eggs one at a time, followed by the egg whites and vanilla extract.
  4. Alternately add the dry ingredients and milk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients.
  5. Divide the batter between the prepared pans. Bake the round pan for 19-24 minutes and the dome pan for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Allow cakes to cool completely before assembling.

Buttercream Preparation:

  1. In a large bowl, beat the butter until creamy.
  2. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and pink food dye, beating until smooth and fluffy.

Whipped Filling Preparation:

  1. In a mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream, granulated sugar, orange zest, and vanilla extract to stiff peaks.

Assembly:

  1. Level the top of the round cake and place it on a serving board, securing it with a dab of frosting.
  2. Spread a layer of vanilla buttercream on the round cake. Cut the dome cake in half horizontally and fill it with the whipped cream.
  3. Position the dome on top of the round cake base. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake and chill for 30 minutes.
  4. Apply a final thick layer of buttercream, smoothing with a bench scraper. Decorate the cake with piped ears, nose, and facial features to resemble a pig.

Total Preparation Time:

  • Prep Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 4 hours

Tips:

  • Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a smooth and even batter.
  • Chilling the cake between frosting applications helps to set the crumb coat, making the final frosting layer easier to apply.
  • Use high-quality vanilla and freshly ground pink peppercorns for the best flavor.

Conclusion:

This Pink Peppercorn Pig Cake is not only adorable but also offers a unique flavor profile, making it a delightful treat for both the eyes and the palate. It’s perfect for adding a touch of whimsy to any celebration!

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