Description
A celestial-themed vanilla cake featuring a tender crumb and subtle almond aroma, decorated with edible gold luster dust to create a shimmering Gemini sun and moon constellation design.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 ½ teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
- ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) almond extract
- 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
- 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
- 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
- Pinch of salt (for frosting)
- 1–2 teaspoons edible gold luster dust
- Black edible food marker or black piping gel
- Silver edible pearls or small sugar pearls (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts.
- Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
- Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks until completely cool.
- For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar alternating with heavy cream. Stir in vanilla extract and salt. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Place one cake layer on plate. Spread a generous layer of buttercream on top. Add second layer and apply a thin crumb coat all over. Chill 20 minutes to set.
- Apply final smooth layer of buttercream. Using black edible marker or piping gel, draw Gemini sun and moon constellation on top.
- Paint sun, moon, and stars with edible gold luster dust using a fine brush. Add silver edible pearls for star points if desired.
Notes
Use softened butter, not melted, for better texture. Mix dry ingredients separately to keep cake light. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to avoid overmixing. Chill cake between frosting steps to keep buttercream firm. Practice constellation design on parchment before decorating. Use edible-grade gold luster dust from reputable brands. For gluten-free, substitute flour with 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use coconut oil or vegan butter and almond milk.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of c
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Gemini cake, constellation cake, gold luster dust, vanilla cake, astrology cake, celestial cake, birthday cake, buttercream frosting