Rose Vanilla Graduation Cake

Celebrate academic achievements with elegance and flavor by crafting a Rose Vanilla Graduation Cake. This delightful dessert combines the classic taste of vanilla with the subtle floral notes of rose, making it a perfect centerpiece for graduation festivities.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Elegant Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of vanilla and rose offers a sophisticated taste that appeals to a wide range of palates.
• Visually Stunning: Adorned with rose-inspired decorations, this cake not only tastes delightful but also serves as a beautiful addition to any celebration.
• Versatile for Occasions: While ideal for graduations, its refined flavor and appearance make it suitable for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to suit dietary preferences or to incorporate seasonal flavors.

Ingredients

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

For the Cake:

• Cake flour
• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Kosher salt
• Unsalted butter
• Large eggs
• Whole milk
• Vanilla bean paste
• Rose powder

For the Frosting:

• Unsalted butter
• Confectioners’ sugar
• Milk
• Pure vanilla extract
• Rose powder
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and line your cake pans with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine cake flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt.
3. Incorporate Butter: Add unsalted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the large eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix whole milk, vanilla bean paste, and rose powder.
6. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Prepare Frosting: Beat unsalted butter until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar, milk, pure vanilla extract, rose powder, and a pinch of salt, beating until smooth and creamy.
10. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate, spread a layer of frosting on top, then add the second cake layer. Frost the top and sides of the cake.
11. Decorate: Adorn the cake with rose decorations or other embellishments as desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12-14 slices
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Rose Cake: Incorporate cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolatey twist.
• Citrus Infusion: Add lemon or orange zest to the batter for a refreshing citrus note.
• Berry Filling: Include a layer of raspberry or strawberry jam between the cake layers for added sweetness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
• Reheating: Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture and flavor.

FAQs

What is rose powder, and where can I find it?

Rose powder is made from dried rose petals ground into a fine powder. It imparts a subtle floral flavor to dishes. You can find it in specialty spice shops or online retailers.

Can I use rose water instead of rose powder?

Yes, rose water can be used as a substitute. Adjust the quantity to taste, as rose water can be more potent than rose powder.

How do I prevent the cake from being too dense?

Ensure that you do not overmix the batter and that all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake layers in advance and freeze them. Thaw and frost the cake on the day of the event.

Is it necessary to use both cake flour and all-purpose flour?

Using both flours provides a balance of structure and tenderness. However, you can use only cake flour for a lighter texture or only all-purpose flour for a denser cake.

How can I achieve a smooth frosting finish?

Use an offset spatula to apply the frosting and a bench scraper to smooth the sides. Chilling the cake between frosting applications can also help achieve a polished look.

Can I color the frosting?

Yes, you can add food coloring to the frosting to match the theme of your celebration.

What type of decorations work well with this cake?

Fresh or edible flowers, gold leaf accents, and decorative piping complement the elegant nature of this cake.

How do I ensure even cake layers?

Use a kitchen scale to divide the batter evenly between pans and level the tops with a spatula before baking.

Can I make cupcakes with this recipe?

Absolutely. Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes and check for doneness with a toothpick.

Conclusion

The Rose Vanilla Graduation Cake is a delightful fusion of classic flavors and elegant presentation, making it a fitting tribute to academic achievements. Its versatility and sophisticated taste ensure it will be a cherished addition to any celebratory occasion.

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