Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake

The Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a showstopper. This cake features a moist, tender red velvet base, creamy frosting, and a stunning shiny glaze that catches the light beautifully. Topped with fresh berries, it’s perfect for celebrations, special occasions, or simply when you want to impress your family and friends.

Why Make This Recipe

Making the Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake is a rewarding experience. It combines the rich flavors of red velvet cake and cream cheese frosting with a spectacular mirror glaze. This cake is not only delicious, but it’s also eye-catching, making it an ideal choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any festive gathering. Plus, the process of creating the mirror glaze is fun and satisfying!

How to Make Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons red food coloring gel
225g (1 block) full-fat cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1-2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (if needed for consistency)
1/2 cup cold water + 2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin powder
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup cocoa powder (sifted, if using for a chocolate glaze, otherwise omit for pure red)
1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate
Red gel food coloring (a generous amount to achieve vibrant red)
Assorted fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries)
Chocolate shards or curls
Edible glitter (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cocoa powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, vinegar, vanilla, and red food coloring. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Divide batter evenly between pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool on a wire rack.
For the cream cheese frosting, beat softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, stirring in vanilla extract. Add milk/cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Level cooled cake layers if necessary. Spread cream cheese frosting on top of one layer and place the second layer on top.
Cover the entire cake with a crumb coat, chill for 30 minutes, then frost again.
For the mirror glaze, bloom gelatin in cold water. In a saucepan, heat granulated sugar, heavy cream, and water until dissolved. Stir in melted gelatin, white chocolate, and food coloring to the desired color.
Cool glaze to 32-35°C (90-95°F) before pouring over the cake.
Decorate with fresh berries, chocolate shards, and optional edible glitter.
Chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake

Slice the cake with a sharp knife to get clean cuts, revealing the beautiful layers inside. Serve each slice on a plate with a few fresh berries as garnish. This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake

Store any leftover cake in the refrigerator. Keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain its freshness for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, consider freezing individual slices, wrapped tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Tips to Make Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing and a fluffier cake.
Colorful Glaze: Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of food coloring to achieve the vibrant red you desire.
Smooth Frosting: For a perfectly smooth finish, chill the cake after the crumb coat before applying the final layer of frosting.

Variation

You can experiment with different flavors by adding lemon zest or orange zest to the cream cheese frosting. You can also use different types of berries for decoration, such as kiwi or mango, for a tropical twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of frosting instead of cream cheese?

Yes! Feel free to use a classic buttercream or a whipped cream frosting if you prefer a lighter flavor.

2. How do I make a dairy-free version of this cake?

You can substitute buttermilk with almond milk or soy milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for frosting.

3. Can I make the cake in advance?

Yes! You can bake the cake layers a day or two in advance. Just wrap them well in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to frost and assemble.

Now you are ready to impress with the Lustrous Berry Mirror Glaze Cake. Happy baking!