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Layer cake

17/11/2023

The layer cake is a multi-layer cake that’s a staple of American and British confectionery traditions. It consists of several layers of sponge cake with one or more types of filling, such as buttercream, mousse, or jams, often covered and decorated with icing or fruit.

Here is a basic recipe for a three-layer layer cake:

Ingredients for the sponge cake:

  • 250 g of flour
  • 250 g of sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 120 ml of milk
  • 120 ml of vegetable oil
  • 1 packet of baking powder
  • A pinch of salt
  • Flavoring of choice (e.g., vanilla, lemon zest)

Ingredients for the buttercream:

  • 200 g of soft butter
  • 400 g of powdered sugar
  • Flavoring of choice (e.g., vanilla, cocoa, coffee)
  • Food coloring (optional)

Preparation of the sponge cake:

  1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C.
  2. Separate the yolks from the egg whites. Beat the whites to stiff peaks with a pinch of salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat the yolks with the sugar until you get a light and fluffy cream.
  4. Add the oil and milk to the yolk cream, then fold in the sifted flour and baking powder.
  5. Gently fold in the beaten egg whites, trying not to deflate them.
  6. Pour the mixture into three equal-sized 20 cm diameter pans lined with parchment paper.
  7. Bake in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the sponge cakes comes out clean.
  8. Let the sponge cakes cool completely before proceeding with the filling.

Preparation of the buttercream:

  1. In a bowl, work the soft butter with the powdered sugar until soft and smooth.
  2. Add the chosen flavor and mix well.
  3. If you want to color the cream, divide it into parts and add the coloring, mixing until the desired shade is achieved.

Assembly of the layer cake:

  1. Place the first layer of sponge cake on a serving plate.
  2. Spread an even layer of buttercream.
  3. Stack the second layer of sponge cake and repeat the operation with the cream.
  4. Add the last layer of sponge cake.
  5. Cover the entire cake with a thin layer of cream (crumb coat) to seal in crumbs, then refrigerate for about 30 minutes.
  6. Apply a second, thicker layer of buttercream and smooth out.
  7. Decorate as desired with more cream, chocolate shavings, fruit, or as preferred.

Fun Fact

The layer cake is often the centrepiece of celebrations and special occasions in the United States and the United Kingdom, with creative variations that include different flavors and elaborate decorations. One of the most beloved variants is the Red Velvet Cake, with its characteristic red color and cream cheese topping.

If you want an all-Italian variant, you might replace the buttercream with a mascarpone cream or enrich the sponge cake layers with dark chocolate shavings. Alternatively, use a chocolate ganache for a richer and more indulgent touch.

Layer cake