Deep Sea Cake
An ocean-inspired cake featuring vibrant blue layers, fluffy buttercream waves, and delightful edible decorations, perfect for any celebration.
Servings 12 servings
Calories 450kcal
Ingredients
For the Cake Layers
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour Sift for super-tender crumbs.
- 2.5 teaspoons baking powder Essential for perfect rise.
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp Soft, creamy butter leads to a fluffy texture.
- 2 cups granulated sugar For classic sweet cake flavor.
- 4 large eggs, room temp Room temperature means better mixing.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Use real vanilla if possible.
- 1 cup whole milk, room temp Keeps everything moist.
- blue gel food coloring (in various shades) Gel’s perfect for vibrant colors.
For the Buttercream Waves
- 1.5 cups unsalted butter, room temp Real butter is essential for frosting.
- 5 cups powdered sugar Sift for silky-smooth frosting.
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk Adjust for spreading consistency.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Enhances overall flavor.
- blue gel food coloring (light, medium, navy) Swirl for oceanic layers.
For the Ocean Decorations
- edible seashells & starfish Use silicone molds.
- crushed graham crackers Creates convincing edible sand.
- white chocolate truffle or sugar pearls For that hidden 'pearl' surprise.
- fondant or sugar paste Molds into clamshells.
- edible shimmer dust or luster spray (optional) Adds undersea sparkle.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line with parchment.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Add vanilla for aroma.
- Add flour mixture in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with flour.
- Divide batter into three bowls and tint each a different shade of blue.
Baking
- Pour each batter into its own pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the cakes cool completely.
Making the Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and then vanilla.
- Add cream and beat until light and spreadable.
- Divide buttercream into three shades of blue.
Frosting and Decorating
- Apply a crumb coat to the cooled cake and chill for 30 minutes.
- Frost the cake with waves from light to dark blue.
- Use silicone molds for seashells and dust with shimmer, then sprinkle ‘sand’ and add fondant decorations.
Notes
For best results, use room temperature ingredients. Gel food coloring provides vibrant colors. Crumb coating helps with a smooth finish. Chill between decorating to keep the layers neat.
