Description
This classic vanilla layer cake features a tender crumb thanks to Greek yogurt and is finished with a silky, stable Swiss meringue buttercream. It is the perfect patriotic centerpiece, using a simple smearing technique to create a beautiful and rustic flag design.
Ingredients
- 500g cake flour
- 450g unsalted butter (for cake)
- 1400g unsalted butter (for frosting)
- 250g Greek yogurt
- 360g heavy cream
- Vanilla pods or paste
- 6 large eggs
- Egg whites (for meringue)
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Red gel food coloring
- Dark blue gel food coloring
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare two 8-inch cake tins by greasing with butter and dusting with flour.
- Sift the cake flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl to aerate.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, Greek yogurt, and vanilla until well combined.
- Cream the softened butter and sugar in a stand mixer on high speed for five minutes until very pale and fluffy.
- Incorporate the eggs one at a time on medium speed, scraping the bowl between each addition.
- Add the dry and wet ingredients alternately on the lowest speed, starting and ending with the flour mixture.
- Divide the batter between the pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until a skewer comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in their pans for 30 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack; once cold, level and slice each into two layers.
- Heat egg whites and sugar over a water bath until the sugar dissolves and the temperature reaches 150°F (65°C).
- Whip the meringue on high for 20 minutes until cool and stiff, then gradually add the butter chunks while whipping.
- Color portions of the frosting red and blue, then stack the layers with white frosting and pipe the flag design on the exterior.
Notes
To achieve the lightest texture, ensure your butter and eggs are truly at room temperature before mixing. If your Swiss meringue buttercream looks like it is curdling while you add the butter, do not panic; simply continue whipping on medium-high speed until it becomes smooth and glossy.
- Prep Time: 90 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American