A delicate pastel-layered cake topped with elegant macarons—perfect for Libra’s love of beauty and balance.
Ingredients
For the Vanilla Almond Cake:
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for a subtle floral touch)
- ¾ cup (180ml) whole milk
- ¼ cup (60ml) sour cream
For the Pastel Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 ½ cups (420g) powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Food coloring (soft pink, lavender, baby blue, or pastel green)
For Decoration:
- Assorted pastel macarons (store-bought or homemade)
- Edible pearls or sprinkles
- Gold leaf (optional, for an extra luxe touch)
Instructions
Make the Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla and almond extract.
- Mix in sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with milk, until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly between cake pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Make the Buttercream Frosting:
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Mix in vanilla and heavy cream, beating until smooth and fluffy.
- Divide frosting into small bowls and tint each with a different pastel color.
Assemble the Cake:
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and frost with a thin, smooth pastel layer.
- Add the second cake layer and apply a soft ombré or multicolor frosting effect.
- Smooth the frosting for a polished, balanced look.
Libran-Level Aesthetic Decoration:
- Carefully arrange pastel macarons on top.
- Scatter edible pearls and gold leaf for a sophisticated touch.
- Pipe small rosettes or delicate swirls for an elegant finish.
🎀 This beautifully balanced and visually stunning cake is pure Libra energy!