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Perfect Triple Layer Leo Birthday Cake Recipe Easy Elegant Gold Accent Decor

triple layer leo birthday cake - featured image

A moist and elegant triple layer birthday cake with creamy frosting and delicate edible gold accents, perfect for Leo-themed celebrations or any glamorous event.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (312 grams)
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams), softened
  • 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar (350 grams)
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup whole milk (240 ml), room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (227 grams), softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar (480 grams), sifted
  • 23 tablespoons heavy cream (3045 ml)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Edible gold leaf sheets
  • Gold edible dust (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease three 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl; set aside.
  3. Beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 7-8 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
  5. Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract (if using).
  6. On low speed, alternate adding dry ingredients in three parts with milk in two parts, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  7. Divide batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth tops.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, rotating pans halfway through, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. Beat 1 cup softened butter for frosting until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and spreadable.
  11. Place first cake layer on serving plate and spread about ½ cup frosting evenly on top. Repeat with second and third layers.
  12. Use remaining frosting to cover entire cake smoothly with an offset spatula or bench scraper.
  13. Carefully apply edible gold leaf sheets using a dry brush, pressing gently onto frosting. Add gold edible dust for extra shimmer if desired.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and milk for better batter incorporation. Rotate pans halfway through baking for even browning. Chill cake for 15 minutes before decorating to help frosting set. Use a dry brush to apply edible gold leaf gently. Store leftover cake loosely covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze unfrosted layers tightly wrapped for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: birthday cake, triple layer cake, Leo birthday cake, gold accent cake, elegant cake, vanilla cake, party cake, celebration cake