Champagne Vanilla Celebration Cake: The Ultimate Recipe for Special Occasions
Elevate your next celebration with this exquisite Champagne Vanilla Celebration Cake! This moist, fluffy layer cake infused with real champagne and rich vanilla flavor is topped with a silky champagne buttercream frosting. Perfect for New Year's Eve, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, or any festive gathering, this elegant dessert brings the sparkle of bubbly right to your table.
Whether you're searching for the best champagne cake recipe or a show-stopping vanilla celebration cake, this one delivers subtle tang from champagne balanced with sweet vanilla notes. It's surprisingly easy to make from scratch and always impresses guests!
Why You'll Love This Champagne Vanilla Celebration Cake
- Moist and Flavorful: Real champagne adds moisture and a delicate bubbly tang, while vanilla extract provides classic warmth.
- Perfect for Celebrations: Light, elegant, and festive – ideal for toasting milestones.
- Customizable: Keep it classic white or add pink food coloring for a pink champagne variation.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Not overly sweet, with a sophisticated flavor that's adult-friendly yet loved by all.
This recipe yields three 8-inch layers, serving 12-16 people. Prep time: 30 minutes | Bake time: 30-35 minutes | Total time: 2 hours (including cooling and frosting).
Ingredients for the Champagne Vanilla Cake Layers
Cake:
- 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 6 large egg whites, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1½ cups (360ml) champagne or sparkling wine, room temperature (use inexpensive bubbly – dry works best)
Champagne Vanilla Buttercream:
- 1½ cups (339g) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar
- ¼-⅓ cup (60-80ml) champagne (or reduced champagne for stronger flavor)
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Gold sprinkles, edible pearls, or fresh berries for decoration
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Layers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans, lining the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add egg whites one at a time, beating well after each. Mix in vanilla extract.
Alternate adding the dry ingredients and champagne: Start and end with flour (⅓ flour, ½ champagne, ⅓ flour, remaining champagne, remaining flour). Mix until just combined – don't overmix!
Divide batter evenly among pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Make the Champagne Vanilla Buttercream
For extra flavor, reduce 1 cup champagne to ⅓ cup by simmering (optional but recommended).
Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low until incorporated. Add champagne, vanilla, and salt. Beat on high for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Adjust consistency with more champagne or sugar if needed.
3. Assemble the Celebration Cake
Level cake layers if needed. Place one layer on a cake stand. Spread a generous amount of buttercream on top. Repeat with second layer. Top with third layer.
Crumb coat the cake with a thin layer of frosting, chill for 15 minutes. Apply final coat, smoothing sides and top.
Decorate with gold sprinkles, edible gold leaf, fresh flowers, or champagne bubbles made from isomalt for a stunning finish!
Tips for the Perfect Champagne Vanilla Celebration Cake
- Champagne Choice: Use dry champagne for subtle flavor; sweeter varieties for more pronounced taste. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine works for a kid-friendly version.
- Make Ahead: Bake layers a day ahead and wrap tightly. Frost the day of serving.
- Storage: Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days. Bring to room temp before serving.
- Variations: Add strawberry puree between layers for a fruity twist, or tint frosting pink for a blush champagne vibe.
This Champagne Vanilla Celebration Cake is more than a dessert – it's a centerpiece that sparks joy and memories. Pin this recipe for your next party and watch it become your go-to celebration treat! Cheers! 🥂
0 Comments