Description
Pastel-hued mini ombre cakes bring whimsical French patisserie charm to your dessert table. Delicate layers of gradient-colored sponge and silky buttercream invite you to savor elegant sweetness with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients (Cake Base):
- 1 box white or vanilla cake mix
- 3 eggs (from box instructions)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (from box instructions)
- 1 cup water (from box instructions)
Coloring and Flavor:
- 1 red or pink gel food coloring
Frosting Components:
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 226 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups (480 grams) powdered sugar
- 24 tablespoons (360 milliliters) heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Thoroughly clean and prep three 9-inch round cake pans, ensuring even greasing and flouring to prevent potential sticking.
- Mix cake batter with precision, following package guidelines carefully to achieve a smooth, consistent texture.
- Strategically portion the batter into three identical mixing bowls, using a kitchen scale for exact volume measurements.
- Craft an elegant color gradient by introducing gel food coloring incrementally: gentle pink for the lightest tier, vibrant rose for the medium layer, and deep crimson for the boldest shade.
- Gently fold the coloring into each batter portion, using a silicone spatula to maintain batter integrity and create uniform, saturated hues without overmixing.
- Pour each color-transformed batter into designated cake pans, smoothing surfaces with a spatula to eliminate potential air pockets and ensure level baking.
- Position pans in preheated oven, maintaining equal spacing for consistent heat circulation and optimal rising.
- Bake until cake layers exhibit springy texture and a delicate golden edge, approximately 25-30 minutes, rotating pans midway through for even browning.
- Remove from oven and allow cakes to cool completely on wire racks before attempting any assembly or decoration.
Notes
- Opt for gel food coloring instead of liquid to achieve vibrant, consistent colors without altering the cake batter’s texture.
- Start with a tiny amount of food coloring and gradually add more to control the intensity of each shade precisely.
- Use white cake mix for the most true and bright color result, as it provides a neutral base for the ombre effect.
- Gently fold the food coloring into each batter bowl to prevent overmixing, which can make the cake tough and dense.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg