Creating a stunning engagement party cake with white and yellow fondant and incorporating real flowers like roses and lilies can be a delightful and impressive centerpiece for the celebration. Below is a recipe for a delicious vanilla cake with buttercream frosting, adorned with fondant decorations and fresh flowers:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line the bottoms of three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add the softened butter and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract.
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while mixing on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well combined.
Divide the batter equally among the prepared cake pans.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Add the milk or heavy cream and vanilla extract, and continue beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more milk or sugar as needed.
Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary, and stack them with a thin layer of buttercream frosting between each layer.
Use the remaining buttercream frosting to crumb coat the entire cake. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that seals in the cake crumbs to create a smooth surface for the fondant.
Roll out the white and yellow fondant separately on a clean, lightly powdered surface. You can use a rolling pin and powdered sugar to prevent sticking.
Carefully cover the cake with the rolled-out white fondant, smoothing it gently with your hands to create a clean surface.
Cut out decorative shapes, such as hearts, flowers, or other engagement-themed designs, using the rolled-out yellow fondant.
Arrange the yellow fondant shapes on the cake, adhering them gently to the white fondant with a little water if needed.
Now, it's time to add the fresh flowers. Carefully clean the stems of the roses and lilies, ensuring they are free from dirt and chemicals.
Insert the flowers into the cake, arranging them in a visually appealing way. You can use flower picks or food-safe floral tubes to keep the stems separate from the cake.
Once the flowers are in place, the cake is ready to be displayed and enjoyed at the engagement party.
Remember to keep the cake refrigerated until serving time if the weather is warm, as the buttercream frosting may soften.
Please note that working with fondant and fresh flowers requires care and attention. If you're not familiar with these techniques, consider practicing beforehand or enlisting the help of a professional baker or cake decorator for your special occasion.