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Slice of vintage pink champagne cake on a floral china plate with a fork

Champagne Cake


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5 from 20 reviews

  • Author: Teresa Flagler
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 mins
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This elegant Champagne Cake features light, airy layers infused with sparkling wine and topped with a silky champagne-reduction buttercream. It is the perfect vintage-inspired dessert for weddings, anniversaries, or any celebration that calls for a touch of bubbly sophistication.


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups pink champagne (divided for reduction and batter)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 5 large egg whites, room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar


Instructions

  1. Place pink champagne in a small saucepan over medium heat and simmer until reduced to approximately 6 tablespoons; set aside to cool completely for the frosting.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add sugar, oil, and vanilla, whipping until light and fluffy.
  4. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
  5. Alternate adding the flour mixture and the liquids (buttermilk and 1/2 cup of unreduced champagne) to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the flour while mixing on low speed.
  6. In a separate grease-free bowl, whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the cake batter using a rubber spatula until just combined.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
  8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, beat the remaining butter with powdered sugar and the cooled champagne reduction to create a smooth buttercream, then frost the layers as desired.

Notes

To ensure the most delicate crumb, avoid over-mixing the batter after adding the flour. For a professional finish, use a rotating cake stand when applying the champagne buttercream to achieve perfectly smooth sides and sharp edges.

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 28 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American