BEGINNER FRIENdLY | BUTTERY DESSERT
Ribbon cake is one of those desserts that is very simple in its ingredients, but what makes it special is its quirky look and light texture. A very basic vanilla flavoured butter cake, dressed up in green and pink food colouring, and topped off with a rich white buttercream frosting.
What makes it stand out, other than the traditional green and pink colouring, is the almond extract that gives this recipe an unforgettable kick. While other butter cakes tend to be dense and heavy, this ribbon cake has a light, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you and your friends reaching for another slice of its smooth, fluffy goodness.
A perfect go-to for an beginner baker, to really make this recipe stand out be sure to use authentic almond extract and high quality butter, and whisk the batter well to achieve that light and fluffy texture.
TIPS & TRICKS
Tip 1: To achieve a velvety, perfectly blended buttercream frosting, it’s essential to let the butter come to room temperature before mixing. This simple step guarantees a wonderfully creamy texture in your frosting.
Tip 2: If your cake turns out drier than anticipated, don’t worry.
After allowing it to cool for a bit, gently poke the surface of the cake with a fork multiple times and drizzle a small quantity of cold milk over it. The cake will readily soak up the milk, restoring its moisture!
Ribbon Cake
Description
Ribbon cake is a delightful sheet cake dessert that effortlessly transforms even novice bakers into pros. This vibrantly coloured cake is guaranteed to be a showstopper on the dessert table, thanks to its luscious buttery frosting and hints of almond flavour.
Ingredients
Buttercream Frosting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two 8’’ loaf pans and line with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and sugar with a mixer.
- Add in the eggs one by one while mixing.
- Toss in the vanilla extract, almond extract and milk.
- At a slower speed on the mixer, add in all the remaining dry ingredients.
- Once combined, scoop out half the batter and set aside in a separate bowl. Squeeze in a few drops of red food colouring into one half of the batter, and green into the other. You don’t need to much colouring, as we are trying to get a pale colouring.
- Pour the batter into the greased cake pans (do not mix the colours). Bake for 20 mins or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center of the cake.
- Prepare the frosting as the cake cools.
- Buttercream Frosting: Using a stand mixer, combine softened butter and powdered sugar.
- Once it’s all nicely mixed, add the almond extract and milk. Your frosting should be thick enough to hold its shape but smooth enough to spread easily with a butter knife.
- Trim the edges of both cake slabs, making sure to keep those edges nice and straight to achieve that classic look. Using a fork, poke holes in the slabs of cake and pour the milk on top.
- Spread half of the frosting evenly on one layer of cake. Then, pop the second layer on top and slather on the rest of the frosting. Easy peasy!