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Perfect Gemini Twin Layer Cake with Lavender Buttercream Stars

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A delicate twin layer vanilla cake with subtle floral lavender buttercream stars, perfect for celebrations or a special treat. This easy recipe balances floral notes with a tender crumb for an elegant yet approachable dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (300g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for buttercream)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for buttercream)
  • 1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender buds, finely ground
  • Pinch of salt (for buttercream)
  • Gel food coloring (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Stir in vanilla extract.
  6. With mixer on low, alternate adding flour mixture and milk in three parts, starting and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly between pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  8. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  9. For buttercream, beat butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes.
  10. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed to avoid clouds of sugar.
  11. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt, and finely ground lavender buds. Beat on medium-high until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Adjust cream for piping consistency.
  12. If desired, tint buttercream with gel food coloring to pale lavender.
  13. Pipe stars on parchment paper to practice or decorate directly onto cake.
  14. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Spread about ½ cup lavender buttercream evenly on top.
  15. Place second layer on top and frost entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill 20 minutes.
  16. Add final thick layer of buttercream and pipe stars on top and sides as desired.

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for best results. Do not overmix batter to avoid tough cake. Grind lavender finely to prevent gritty texture. Chill cake between frosting layers for smooth application. Practice piping stars on parchment before decorating cake. Use serrated knife to level cake layers if domed. Buttercream can be tinted with gel food coloring for a pale lavender shade.

Nutrition

Keywords: lavender cake, twin layer cake, buttercream stars, vanilla sponge, floral cake, celebration cake, easy cake recipe

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/perfect-gemini-twin-layer-cake-recipe-easy-lavender-buttercream-stars-tutorial/