pastel green birthday cake

This pastel green birthday cake is a delightful twist on the classic red velvet, offering a soft, moist crumb with a subtle cocoa flavor. Its gentle green hue makes it perfect for spring celebrations, garden parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of elegance.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Appearance: The pastel green color provides a sophisticated look suitable for various events.
• Moist and Flavorful: The combination of buttermilk and a hint of cocoa ensures a tender and flavorful cake.
• Versatile Decoration: Easily adaptable to different themes with your choice of decorations.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A unique yet familiar flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Unsweetened cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Buttermilk
• White vinegar
• Vanilla extract
• Green food coloring

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Milk or heavy cream

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, then add oil, buttermilk, vinegar, vanilla extract, and green food coloring. Mix until well combined.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. Prepare Frosting: Beat softened butter and cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract and milk or cream, beating until fluffy.
8. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
9. Decorate: Decorate as desired with sprinkles, edible flowers, or other decorations.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Approximately 12 slices
• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Baking Time: 30–35 minutes
• Cooling Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours

Variations

• Matcha Flavor: Replace cocoa powder with matcha powder for a green tea twist.
• Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy note.
• Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped pistachios for added texture and flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and egg substitutes to make the cake vegan-friendly.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

How can I achieve a pastel green color without using food coloring?

You can use natural ingredients like matcha powder or spinach puree to achieve a green hue, though the color may be less vibrant.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.

What type of green food coloring is best?

Gel food coloring is recommended as it provides a more vibrant color without altering the batter’s consistency.

Can I use a different frosting?

Absolutely. While cream cheese frosting complements the cake well, you can use buttercream, whipped cream, or any frosting of your choice.

How do I prevent the cake layers from doming?

Ensure even oven temperature and avoid overmixing the batter. You can also use cake strips to promote even baking.

Is it possible to make cupcakes with this recipe?

Yes, divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18–22 minutes.

Can I prepare the cake layers in advance?

Yes, bake the layers, let them cool completely, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and store at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

How can I add more flavor to the cake?

Consider adding extracts like almond or coconut, or incorporating citrus zest into the batter.

What’s the best way to decorate this cake?

Decorate with pastel-colored sprinkles, edible flowers, or a light dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant touch.

Can I make this cake in a different size pan?

Yes, adjust the baking time accordingly if using different pan sizes. For example, a 9×13-inch pan may require a longer baking time.

Conclusion

The pastel green birthday cake offers a unique and elegant alternative to traditional birthday cakes. Its soft texture, subtle flavor, and beautiful hue make it a standout choice for any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a spring gathering or simply want to try something new, this cake is sure to impress your guests and delight their taste buds.

Print