Print

Perfect Libra Birthday Cake Recipe with Easy Pastel Ombré Topper Tutorial

Libra birthday cake recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A harmonious vanilla almond birthday cake with pastel ombré buttercream frosting and a handmade balance scale topper, perfect for celebrating Libras or anyone who appreciates subtle beauty.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
  • ½ tsp almond extract (optional)
  • 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 3–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk (for frosting)
  • Gel food coloring in pastel shades (pink, blue, lavender, mint)
  • Fondant or gum paste, white (for topper)
  • Edible pearl dust or shimmer powder (optional)
  • Food-safe glue or water (for assembling topper)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each. Mix in vanilla extract and almond extract if using.
  5. With mixer on low, alternately add dry ingredients and milk in three batches, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to cooling racks to cool completely.
  8. For frosting, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar on low speed. Add vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until fluffy. Adjust consistency as needed.
  9. Divide frosting into 4 bowls and tint each with a different pastel gel color from lightest to darkest.
  10. Place one cake layer on serving plate or turntable. Spread an even layer of frosting on top. Add second layer and apply a thin crumb coat over entire cake. Chill for 20 minutes.
  11. Apply final coat of pastel ombré frosting using offset spatula, blending colors gently for a smooth gradient.
  12. Shape balance scale topper from white fondant: form base, beam, and pans separately, then assemble with food-safe glue or water. Dust with edible pearl dust if desired.
  13. Once cake is frosted and set, gently place topper on top.

Notes

Keep buttercream at room temperature for best spreadability. Use crumb coat for smooth finish and chill cake between frosting layers. Use gel food coloring for vibrant pastel shades. Fondant topper can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored at room temperature in airtight container. If fondant is intimidating, try a chocolate silhouette topper. Cake layers can be frozen unfrosted for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Libra birthday cake, pastel ombré frosting, balance scale topper, vanilla almond cake, birthday cake recipe, easy birthday cake, buttercream frosting, pastel cake

Find it online: https://yumyep.com/perfect-libra-birthday-cake-recipe-with-easy-pastel-ombr-e-topper-tutorial/