A decadent, multi-layered cake featuring moist vanilla and chocolate layers, creamy vanilla bean frosting, fresh berries, and a touch of white chocolate elegance. This cake is designed to be a showstopper and a taste of pure bliss.
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Cake Layers (Makes 2 x 8-inch layers):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
For the Chocolate Cake Layers (Makes 2 x 8-inch layers):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (good quality)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee
For the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
For the Filling and Garnish:
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 pint fresh blueberries
- 1/2 cup white chocolate, melted
- Optional: Edible flowers or gold leaf for decoration
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vanilla Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add hot water, mixing until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Chocolate Cake Layers:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gradually add hot coffee, mixing until smooth.
- Pour batter evenly into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
3. Prepare the Vanilla Bean Frosting:
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined, then increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.
- Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds, and beat until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Cake:
- Level the cake layers by trimming any domed tops.
- Place one chocolate layer on a cake plate or stand. Frost with a layer of vanilla bean frosting.
- Arrange sliced strawberries over the frosting.
- Top with a vanilla cake layer, and frost with vanilla frosting.
- Arrange blueberries over the frosting.
- Place the second chocolate layer on top, and frost with vanilla frosting.
- Place the final vanilla layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining vanilla bean frosting.
- Drizzle melted white chocolate over the top of the cake.
- Optional: Decorate with edible flowers or gold leaf.
5. Serve:
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Slice and enjoy your “Heaven On Earth Cake”!
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- Add a layer of chocolate ganache between layers for extra decadence.
- Use other berries or fruits like raspberries or blackberries.
- For a stronger vanilla bean flavour, add more vanilla bean seeds.
- If you do not have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding one tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to one cup of milk, and letting it sit for five minutes.
Enjoy baking and indulging in this heavenly creation!