Lavender Peacock Cake

The Lavender Peacock Cake is a beautiful and delicious dessert that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion. With its lovely lavender color and whimsical peacock design, this cake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. Perfect for birthdays, teas, or any celebration, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Why Make This Recipe

You should make the Lavender Peacock Cake because it combines the delightful flavors of vanilla and butter with a stunning visual presentation. It’s a fun baking project that allows you to unleash your creativity, especially when decorating with fondant. Plus, a homemade cake always tastes better and is filled with love!

How to Make Lavender Peacock Cake

Ingredients

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large egg whites
Purple food coloring
2 cups unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (for frosting)
2 tablespoons milk (for frosting)
Blue food coloring
Yellow food coloring
Fondant

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, combine the milk, softened butter, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Add purple food coloring until you reach the desired lavender shade.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool completely on a wire rack.
To make the frosting, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract and milk, mixing until fluffy. Add purple food coloring to get a lavender shade.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining lavender frosting.
To create the peacock feathers, roll out the fondant and cut it into feather shapes. Use blue and yellow food coloring to paint the feather details. Arrange the feathers on the side of the cake to create the peacock tail effect.
Use a separate piece of fondant or a small toy to create the peacock body and head and place it on top of the cake.

How to Serve Lavender Peacock Cake

Serve the Lavender Peacock Cake by slicing it into generous pieces. It pairs well with a cup of tea or coffee. Consider adding some fresh flowers or additional fondant decorations on the side for extra flair.

How to Store Lavender Peacock Cake

To store the Lavender Peacock Cake, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Tips to Make Lavender Peacock Cake

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for better mixing.
Don’t overmix the batter after adding the egg whites to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Practice rolling out the fondant for the decorations a few times before decorating the cake.

Variation

You can change the color theme of the cake by using different food colorings to match your event. Instead of lavender, consider pastel colors like pink or blue. You can also fill the cake with fruit preserves or flavored creams for a twist.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, you can bake the cake layers a day or two ahead and store them in the refrigerator. Frost the cake closer to the serving time for the best presentation.

2. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready.

3. Is fondant difficult to work with?
Fondant can be tricky for beginners, but with practice, it becomes easier. Make sure to use cornstarch or powdered sugar to prevent sticking.

This Lavender Peacock Cake will bring joy and color to your dessert table. Enjoy baking and decorating your stunning creation!