Champagne Wedding Cake with Strawberry Buttercream: A Luxurious Celebration Dessert
Quick Overview
Contents
This Champagne Wedding Cake with Strawberry Buttercream is the ultimate showstopper for elegant celebrations. Imagine a light, airy cake infused with sparkling champagne, topped with a blush-pink strawberry buttercream that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.
Key Details
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 2.5 hours
Servings: 12-16
Difficulty: Moderate
Dietary: Vegetarian
Essential Equipment
You’ll need:
- Stand mixer
- Round cake pans
- Offset spatula
- Wire cooling rack
- Piping bags
Ingredients Breakdown
For the Cake
- 2 cups cake flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 6 egg whites
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup champagne
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
For Strawberry Buttercream
- 1-2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 4-6 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Preparation Method
Champagne Cake Steps
- Reduce champagne in a saucepan until concentrated.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients, champagne, and eggs.
- Bake at 350°F for 25-40 minutes.
- Cool completely before frosting.
Strawberry Buttercream Technique
- Create strawberry puree by simmering berries with sugar.
- Whip butter until creamy.
- Gradually incorporate strawberry puree and powdered sugar.
- Beat until pale pink and fluffy.
Pro Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure all ingredients are room temperature for best results.
- Champagne Reduction: Concentrate flavor by simmering champagne.
- Crumb Coat: Always do a thin initial frosting layer to seal in crumbs.
Troubleshooting
- Buttercream Too Runny: Chill for 15 minutes, then re-whip.
- Cake Dense: Don’t overmix the batter.
- Uneven Layers: Use a cake leveler or long serrated knife.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate for up to 3 days
- Can be frozen (unfrosted) for 1 month
- Best served at room temperature
Exciting Variations
- Pink Champagne Version: Add blush food coloring
- Vegan Alternative: Use plant-based butter and egg substitutes
- Seasonal Twist: Swap strawberries for raspberries or mixed berries
Final Thoughts
This champagne wedding cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The delicate champagne-infused layers paired with strawberry buttercream create a sophisticated flavor profile that’ll have guests talking long after the celebration.
Must-Have Decorating Tools
Cheers to creating a truly memorable wedding dessert!