Dolly Varden Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder 2 teaspoons (10g) baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt 1/2 teaspoon (2.5g) salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• Natural food colorings (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) Natural food colorings (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
• 1/2 cup (90g) colorful candies or sprinkles (for surprise center) 1/2 cup (90g) colorful candies or sprinkles (for surprise center)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 18g, 11g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 68g, 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.4g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch (20cm) round cake pans.
2. 2.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. 3.
   In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
6. 6.
   Divide the batter equally into six bowls. Add a few drops of each natural food coloring to create vibrant colors for each bowl.
7. 7.
   Pour each colored batter into separate piping bags or ziplock bags.
8. 8.
   Starting with one color, pipe a small amount of batter in the center of each cake pan. Repeat with the remaining colors, layering them on top of each other.
9. 9.
   Gently tap the pans on the counter to level the batter and remove any air bubbles.
10. 10.
    Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean.
11. 11.
    Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. 12.
    Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting on top. Sprinkle the colorful candies or sprinkles in the center, leaving a border around the edge.
13. 13.
    Repeat with the remaining cake layers, stacking them on top of each other.
14. 14.
    Frost the entire cake with the remaining buttercream frosting, ensuring a smooth and even finish.
15. 15.
    Decorate the cake as desired, using additional candies, sprinkles, or edible flowers.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming with the sugar.
• Natural food colorings — Use gel or powder-based natural food colorings for vibrant and stable colors in the cake batter.
• Colorful candies or sprinkles — Choose small candies or sprinkles that won't weigh down the cake layers.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a more intense flavor, add a few drops of lemon extract to the buttercream frosting.
• For a surprise center, you can also use mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts instead of colorful candies or sprinkles.
• To ensure even layers, weigh the cake batter in each pan using a kitchen scale.
• Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting or sliding off.
• For a smoother frosting finish, use an offset spatula dipped in hot water to spread the buttercream.

Serving advice

Slice the Dolly Varden Cake into generous portions and serve on individual dessert plates. Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal of the Dolly Varden Cake, decorate the top with a rainbow pattern using additional colorful candies or sprinkles. You can also add edible flowers or fresh berries for an elegant touch.