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Perfect Sunflower Birthday Layer Cake Recipe with Easy Honey Buttercream Frosting

sunflower birthday layer cake - featured image
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A moist and tender layered birthday cake featuring a silky honey buttercream frosting and cheerful sunflower decorations, perfect for celebrations and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (310 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons (10 g) baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon (3 g) salt
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • 3 ½ cups (440 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey (mild-flavored like clover or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Yellow and brown fondant or colored buttercream (for decoration)
  • Edible gold dust or food coloring (optional)
  • Sunflower seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper circles.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until smooth.
  5. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add dry ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk and vanilla extract, starting and ending with flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Tap pans gently to release air bubbles.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and edges pull away slightly.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
  9. To make honey buttercream, beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar on low speed until combined.
  11. Add honey, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Beat on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy and spreadable. Add more cream if frosting is too stiff.
  12. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ¾ cup honey buttercream evenly on top.
  13. Place second layer on top and frost entire cake with remaining buttercream, smoothing sides and top.
  14. Create sunflower decorations using yellow fondant or buttercream petals around a brown center. Add sunflower seeds and edible gold dust if desired. Arrange decorations on cake.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Add honey slowly to softened butter to avoid grainy frosting. Line pans with parchment paper for easy cake removal. Chill buttercream if it becomes too soft while decorating. Trim cake crowns for even layers. For gluten-free, substitute flour with gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and vegan butter, and replace honey with maple syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, honey buttercream, sunflower cake, layer cake, easy cake recipe, homemade cake, celebration cake

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