One-Tier Wedding Cake – The Perfect Minimalist Celebration Centerpiece
RECIPE: One-Tier Wedding Cake – The Perfect Minimalist Celebration Centerpiece
KEY INFO:
Prep Time: 45-90 minutes
Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 2-3 hours
Servings: 8-24
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Dietary Options: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free adaptable
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
– 8-inch round cake pan
– Electric mixer
– Mixing bowls
– Offset spatula
– Cake leveler
– Cooling rack
– Parchment paper
INGREDIENTS:
Cake Base:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1½ cups granulated sugar
– 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
– 4 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting:
– 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
– 4 cups powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp heavy cream
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
OPTIONAL DECORATIONS:
– Fresh edible flowers
– Fruit slices
– Edible metallic leaf
– Custom cake topper
METHOD:
1. Prepare Your Workspace
– Preheat oven to 350°F
– Grease and line cake pan with parchment
– Ensure all ingredients are room temperature
2. Mix Cake Batter
– Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
– Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly
– Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk
– Mix until just combined – do not overmix
3. Bake the Cake
– Pour batter into prepared pan
– Bake for 35-40 minutes
– Check with toothpick: should come out clean
– Cool in pan for 10 minutes
– Transfer to cooling rack
4. Prepare Buttercream
– Beat butter until creamy
– Gradually add powdered sugar
– Mix in cream and vanilla
– Consistency should be smooth and spreadable
5. Assemble and Decorate
– Level cake if needed
– Apply crumb coat of buttercream
– Chill for 15 minutes
– Add final frosting layer
– Decorate with flowers or chosen garnishes
CRUCIAL TIPS:
– Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother batter
– Don’t open oven during first 25 minutes of baking
– Let cake cool completely before frosting
– Use a turntable for smoother frosting application
STORAGE:
– Room temperature: 24 hours
– Refrigerated: 3-4 days
– Freeze unfrosted layers up to 1 month
VARIATIONS:
– Chocolate version: Replace ¼ cup flour with cocoa powder
– Lemon cake: Add lemon zest, use lemon extract
– Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and egg replacer
– Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour blend
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID:
– Overmixing batter
– Opening oven too frequently
– Frosting warm cake
– Uneven cake layers
PRO TIPS:
– Use a cake collar for perfectly straight sides
– Chill cake between frosting layers
– Practice piping techniques beforehand
– Choose decorations that complement wedding theme
BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS:
– Basic ingredients: $25-$50
– Fancy decorations: $50-$100
– DIY can save significant money compared to professional bakery
Enjoy creating your perfect one-tier wedding cake celebration centerpiece!
