Hydrangea Cakes

These Hydrangea Cakes are stunning miniature desserts that resemble beautiful hydrangea flowers! Perfect for spring gatherings, birthdays, or any festive occasion, these cakes combine delightful flavors with an impressive appearance. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to achieve the colorful blossom design on the outside. The inside features swirls of vibrant cake colors that will surely wow your guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Visually Stunning: These cakes look like real hydrangeas, making them a show-stopping centerpiece.
• Flavorful Layers: The combination of vanilla and colorful cake adds a delicious twist to traditional desserts.
• Versatile for Occasions: Perfect for spring celebrations, weddings, or as a creative treat for any gathering.
• Easy to Customize: Use different colors to match themes or personal preferences.
• Fun to Make: Kids and adults alike will enjoy crafting these delightful treats together!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Hydrangea Cakes, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having the right equipment will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Offset spatula
• Baking pans (mini cake pans recommended)
• Cooling rack

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes mixing ingredients effortless and ensures a smooth batter.
• Baking pans: The right size helps achieve even baking and perfect mini cakes.
• Offset spatula: Ideal for spreading frosting evenly on the cakes for a professional finish.

Ingredients

These Hydrangea Cakes are gorgeous miniature cakes that look like hydrangea flowers! You’ll be surprised to learn how easy it is to make the pretty, colorful blossom design on the outside. The inside is beautiful too, with swirls of multicolored cake!

For the Cake

• 10.5 oz granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups)
• 10.5 oz cake flour (2 2/3 cups)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 fl oz large egg whites (1/2 cup)
• 8 fl oz milk (1 cup)
• 1 TBSP vanilla extract
• 6 oz unsalted butter (1.5 sticks), at room temperature
• Assorted gel food coloring (I used Americolor brand Electric Purple, Regal Purple, Sky Blue & Soft Pink)

For the Frosting

• 6 fl oz pasteurized liquid egg whites (3/4 cup)
• 24 oz powdered sugar (6 cups)
• ½ tsp salt
• 24 oz unsalted butter (3 sticks), at room temperature
• 2 TBSP vanilla extract
• Assorted gel food coloring (I used Americolor brand Electric Purple, Regal Purple, Sky Blue & Soft Pink)

How to Make Hydrangea Cakes

Step 1: Prepare Your Pans

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your mini cake pans with butter or line them with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, cake flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. In another bowl, mix the egg whites, milk, and vanilla extract.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients along with softened butter. Beat using a stand mixer until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add Color to Your Batter

Divide the batter into separate bowls based on how many colors you want to use. Add different gel food coloring to each bowl until you achieve your desired shades.

Step 4: Bake the Cakes

Pour each colored batter into prepared mini cake pans. Bake in preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 5: Make the Frosting

In a mixing bowl, beat together pasteurized liquid egg whites and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gradually add unsalted butter while continuing to beat until fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Assemble Your Hydrangea Cakes

Once cakes are cool, level them if needed. Stack colored layers using frosting in between each layer. Use an offset spatula to cover each stacked cake with frosting smoothly.

Step 7: Create Hydrangea Petals

Using remaining frosting divided into bowls with food coloring added for petals’ shades. Pipe dollops around the sides of each cake in clusters resembling hydrangea petals.

Enjoy creating these delightful Hydrangea Cakes that will surely impress everyone at your next event!

How to Serve Hydrangea Cakes

Hydrangea Cakes are not only a visual treat but also a delightful dessert for any occasion. Their vibrant colors and charming design make them perfect for celebrations, parties, or even a cozy afternoon tea.

For Special Occasions

• Birthday Parties: These cakes can serve as a stunning centerpiece for any birthday celebration.
• Weddings: Use mini Hydrangea Cakes as individual desserts at reception tables for a charming touch.
• Baby Showers: The pastel colors fit beautifully into baby shower themes, delighting guests of all ages.

Accompanying Beverages

• Herbal Teas: Pair with calming herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint to balance the sweetness.
• Fruit Juices: Freshly squeezed juices, such as orange or berry blends, complement the cake’s flavors well.

Presentation Ideas

• Decorative Plates: Serve on elegant plates to enhance the visual appeal.
• Cake Stands: Elevate your display by using tiered cake stands, showcasing multiple Hydrangea Cakes together.

How to Perfect Hydrangea Cakes

Creating the perfect Hydrangea Cakes requires some attention to detail. Here are essential tips to ensure success:

• Bold Colors: Use gel food coloring for vibrant hues that mimic real hydrangeas. This enhances both appearance and taste.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• Even Baking: Rotate the cake pans halfway through baking to ensure even cooking and prevent doming.
• Smooth Frosting: Chill your buttercream before frosting to achieve a smooth, professional finish on your cakes.
• Pipe with Precision: Use piping bags with different tips for creating beautiful flower designs that resemble hydrangeas.

Best Side Dishes for Hydrangea Cakes

To balance the sweetness of Hydrangea Cakes, consider serving them with complementary side dishes. Here are some excellent pairing options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy texture that pairs well with cake.
3. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream brings coolness and creaminess alongside the vibrant cakes.
4. Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese which contrast nicely with sweet flavors.
5. Nuts & Dried Fruits: A selection of nuts and dried fruits provides a crunchy texture that complements the soft cakes.
6. Coffee or Espresso: The rich flavor of coffee enhances the sweetness of the cake while providing a sophisticated touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Hydrangea Cakes can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Cake Layers: Not ensuring even cake layers can lead to uneven frosting. Use a leveler or knife to trim tops before frosting.
• Bold Overmixing Batter: Overmixing can create tough cakes. Mix just until combined to keep them light and fluffy.
• Bold Skipping Room Temperature Ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the batter consistency. Always let ingredients come to room temperature before mixing.
• Bold Ignoring Food Coloring Instructions: Using too much coloring could overpower the design. Start with a small amount and adjust gradually for the perfect shade.
• Bold Underselling Frosting Consistency: If your frosting is too thin, it won’t hold its shape. Add powdered sugar gradually until you achieve a thick, spreadable consistency.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Hydrangea Cakes in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Hydrangea Cakes

• Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• They freeze well for up to 2 months.

Reheating Hydrangea Cakes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cakes for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 15-20 seconds at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place cakes in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid to retain moisture for 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Hydrangea Cakes.

How do I achieve the hydrangea flower look on my cakes?

To create the hydrangea effect, use a piping bag fitted with a petal tip. Pipe petals closely together in layers using various colors of gel food coloring.

Can I customize the colors of my Hydrangea Cakes?

Absolutely! You can customize the colors by using any gel food coloring you like, allowing you to match any theme or occasion.

Can I make Hydrangea Cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can bake and frost them a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

Are Hydrangea Cakes suitable for special occasions?

Definitely! These miniature cakes are perfect for birthdays, weddings, or any celebration where you want to impress guests with something beautiful and delicious.

What if my frosting is too runny?

If your frosting is too runny, add more powdered sugar gradually until it thickens. This will help your flowers hold their shape better.

Final Thoughts

Hydrangea Cakes are not only visually stunning but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and colors to make these delightful mini cakes truly your own!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Hydrangea Cakes

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 12 mini cakes 1x

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Description

Create stunning Hydrangea Cakes that resemble beautiful flowers, perfect for any spring gathering or celebration. These delightful miniature cakes are as tasty as they are visually impressive. With vibrant layers of cake and colorful frosting, they are sure to wow your guests. The simple steps make crafting these charming treats enjoyable for bakers of all levels, allowing you to customize colors and flavors to match any occasion. Whether it’s a birthday party, wedding, or just a fun baking project with kids, these cakes will be the highlight of your event.

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Ingredients

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• 10.5 oz granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups)
• 10.5 oz cake flour (2 2/3 cups)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 4 fl oz large egg whites (1/2 cup)
• 8 fl oz milk (1 cup)
• 1 TBSP vanilla extract
• 6 oz unsalted butter (1.5 sticks), at room temperature
• Assorted gel food coloring (I used Americolor brand Electric Purple, Regal Purple, Sky Blue & Soft Pink)
• 6 fl oz pasteurized liquid egg whites (3/4 cup) for frosting
• 24 oz powdered sugar (6 cups)
• ½ tsp salt for frosting
• 24 oz unsalted butter (3 sticks), at room temperature for frosting
• 2 TBSP vanilla extract for frosting
• Assorted gel food coloring for frosting

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease mini cake pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk together sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix egg whites, milk, and vanilla; then combine with dry ingredients and softened butter until smooth.
4. Divide batter into bowls and color with gel food coloring.
5. Pour colored batter into pans and bake for 30–35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
6. For frosting, beat egg whites with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form; gradually add butter and vanilla.
7. Level cakes if needed, stack layers with frosting in between, and frost the outside smoothly.
8. Pipe dollops of colored frosting around the sides to create hydrangea petals.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 mini cake (approximately 45g)
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg