Now, in another bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. I always start and end with the dry ingredients to keep everything balanced. Once combined, I scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no bits are left behind, and then I divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. These cakes should bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell that fills my kitchen while they bake is simply heavenly!
Once baked, I let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a cooling rack to cool completely—this is when impatience becomes my biggest enemy! While the cakes cool, I whip up my vanilla buttercream frosting. I beat together the softened butter and powdered sugar, adding in the vanilla and a splash of heavy cream to achieve that dreamy, smooth texture. After about five minutes of beating, I really feel proud of how fluffy it looks. It’s the perfect finish for my Love Cake!
Finally, once the cakes are completely cool, it’s time to assemble. I start by placing one cake layer on a serving plate and spreading a generous amount of frosting on top. Then, I carefully place the second layer on top and frost the entire cake. I like to add a few decorative swirls on top using a piping bag, and sometimes I sprinkle some love-themed sprinkles for an extra touch of cuteness. Can we just take a moment to appreciate how stunning it looks?!
Pro Tips for Best Results
One thing I learned through my journey of testing this recipe is that making sure all your ingredients are at room temperature makes a huge difference. I used to skip this step, but letting the eggs and butter warm up really helps to create a smooth batter that bakes beautifully. Additionally, I weighed my flour instead of using measuring cups, and it turned out a lot better! About 125 grams per cup of all-purpose flour usually does the trick. I also experimented with different frosting techniques, and let me tell you, a simple spatula helps achieve that rustic look without the fuss!
Lastly, sometimes I like to add a squeeze of lemon juice to my frosting. It gives a slight tanginess that beautifully balances the sweetness! But go easy on that—just a teaspoon should be enough. I promise, these little tweaks can take your cake to the next level and impress anyone lucky enough to get a slice.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake I see is overmixing the batter after adding the flour. I remember the first time I baked this cake; I whisked it like it was my last workout, and it resulted in a tough texture. Always remember to mix just until combined! Another issue is letting the cakes cool in the pan for too long; if you leave them in for too long, they can become soggy and stick. Trust me, learning this the hard way can be disappointing! (See the next page below to continue…)