Snowflake Cake

Hey friends! Have you ever seen a cake that looks like a winter wonderland? The Snowflake Cake is just magical and so pretty!

I made one last week, and wow, it was easier than I thought. The fluffy layers and snowy decorations make it feel super special.

Imagine slicing into soft, sweet cake with little snowflakes on top—so dreamy and fun! Everyone will want a piece, I promise.

Let’s grab some frosting and sprinkles and make this snowy treat together. Trust me, it’s as fun to bake as it is to eat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A Visual Masterpiece: Intricate snowflake decorations bring a winter wonderland to your table.
• Irresistible Flavor: The blend of vanilla and peppermint creates a fresh, light taste.
• Moist and Fluffy Layers: Sour cream and whole milk keep the cake tender and moist.
• Versatile: Perfect for Christmas, winter weddings, or any holiday occasion.
• Fun to Make: Crafting the snowflake decorations adds a touch of creative joy to your baking experience.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Stand or hand mixer
• 3 8-inch round cake pans
• Parchment paper
• Large mixing bowls
• Rubber spatula
• Candy piping bags
• Cooling racks
• Offset spatula

Ingredients

For the Cake Layers:

• 1¾ cups (218g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 egg whites
• 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract

For the Buttercream:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 pound (454g) confectioners’ sugar
• 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
• Blue food coloring
• Red food coloring

For the Candy Snowflakes:

• ⅔ cup white candy melts
• Parchment paper

For the Italian Buttercream:

• 4 large eggs
• 1⅓ cups (266g) granulated sugar
• Pinch of kosher salt
• 16 ounces (454g) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Cream Butter: Using a stand mixer, beat the butter until creamy. Gradually add the dry ingredients and mix until crumbly.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine egg whites, vanilla extract, sour cream, milk, and peppermint extract. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, beating on medium speed until smooth.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 22-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool for 10 minutes in the pans, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

2. Make the Buttercream

1. Beat Butter: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter on high speed until light and fluffy.
2. Incorporate Sugar: Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed.
3. Add Liquid: Add vanilla extract and heavy cream. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
4. Color the Frosting: Divide the buttercream into two bowls. Color one batch light blue and the other white using food coloring.

3. Create the Candy Snowflakes

1. Melt the Candy: Melt the white candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
2. Pipe Snowflakes: Transfer the melted candy into a piping bag fitted with a fine tip. Pipe snowflake shapes onto parchment paper. Allow the snowflakes to cool and harden completely.

4. Assemble the Cake

1. Level the Layers: If needed, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake layer.
2. Stack the Layers: Place the first cake layer on a cake board or plate. Spread a layer of blue buttercream on top. Repeat with the second and third layers.
3. Frost the Cake: Use an offset spatula to apply a crumb coat of white buttercream over the entire cake. Chill the cake for 20 minutes, then apply a final smooth layer of blue buttercream.
4. Decorate: Attach the candy snowflakes to the sides and top of the cake. Pipe additional designs or swirls for extra flair.

5. Prepare the Italian Buttercream (Optional)

1. Whip Eggs and Sugar: In a heatproof bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and cream of tartar. Heat over a saucepan of simmering water, whisking constantly until the sugar dissolves.
2. Beat Until Fluffy: Transfer the mixture to a stand mixer and beat on high speed until stiff peaks form.
3. Add Butter: Gradually add the butter, one piece at a time, until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.

Serving and Decoration

• Serving Suggestion: Slice the Snowflake Cake into generous portions and pair with hot cocoa or a peppermint latte for a cozy winter treat.
• Decoration Tips: Add edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle. You can also place small ornaments or festive toppers for a whimsical look.

Storage Tips

• Refrigeration: Store the assembled cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap individual cake layers in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before assembling.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Component	Amount
Calories	430
Total Fat	24g
Saturated Fat	15g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	120mg
Total Carbohydrates	48g
Sugars	38g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

This Snowflake Cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a work of art that brings a touch of elegance to any winter gathering. With its moist layers, creamy frosting, and beautiful decorations, it’s sure to leave your guests in awe. Gather your ingredients, embrace your creativity, and let’s make magic in the kitchen!