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
- 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.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and grease.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy, then add sugar, oil, and vanilla, whipping until light and fluffy.
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- 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.
- 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.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25–28 minutes or until a tester comes out clean.
- 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