Baking with Baby Girl

There is nothing better than spending time in the kitchen with your daughter. Sophia is a fabulous cook. She started baking dog biscuits for her favorite pets years ago, and has now transitioned to the human side of treats. Our family especially loves her chocolate brownies…absolutely delicious! Daughters hold a special place in your heart. I have some wonderful friends that have brand new baby girls. They are joining me in this recipe share, and you can find the Thermaland Oaks and Azure Farm inspiration links at the bottom.

Classic White Cake

We used our standard white cake from scratch recipe. If you are in a hurry, feel free to use a white boxed cake mix. Another trick I learned from a friend is using three 6 inch round cake pans instead of the standard pans. It transforms a basic cake into a beautiful masterpiece. You can find these pans on amazon.Click Here for three 6inch Pans

Cooling the Cakes

It’s so important to let your cakes cool in the refrigerator at least 3 hours before you start the assembly process. This will help you with the naked cake frosting. A cooler cake will keep it from crumbling during the frosting process. Click Here for the Frosting Piping Bag Kit

Buttercream Frosting

We used a traditional buttercream frosting for the filling, top and sides. However, you may need an offset spatula and icing smoother (yes that is the technical term) to get the ideal naked cake look. Because it makes your decorating job easier, I recommend getting the tools. You can find the baking set I use on amazon. Click Here for Baking Tools

Sugar Love

Valentine’s Day is filled with sugar, and this recipe is no exception with the cakes, fruit and frosting. Because we are all busy, the simplicity of the naked cake is ideal and it lets the flavor shine through.

Sugared Berries

The glistening fruit is so easy to make. We used egg whites as the base before coating with sugar. Because some people are not comfortable with that, I have also dipped them in water instead of egg whites. Either system works.

Rosemary Garnish

Adding a sprig of sugared greenery as a garnish takes the dessert to the next level. Because rosemary is aromatic, it will fill your room with a woodsy scent as you are baking. I hope you enjoy this cake as much as we did. It’s a great dessert option for your Valentine’s sweetheart.

Raspberry Vanilla Creme Cake

Full Recipe

Classic White Cake From Scratch Ingredients (or Boxed White Cake Mix)

• 1 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour three 6” round pans.
2. In a bowl, cream together the sugar and softened butter. Beat in the eggs, then add the vanilla.
3. Combine flour and baking powder, add to the creamed mixture and mix well. Finally stir in the milk until batter is smooth.
4. Pour 3 equal amounts of batter into the prepared pans.
5. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool on a wire rack for 15 minutes before removing the cakes from their pans
7. Refrigerate individual cakes for 3 hours before assembling.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

• 3 sticks of unsalted butter softened
• 6 cups of confectioners’ sugar
• 6 Tablespoons of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon of salt

Directions

1. Cream softened butter with a mixer until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar and then add the vanilla extract and salt.
2. Pour in heavy cream and beat for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Sugared Berries & Rosemary

• 4 cups of fresh raspberries (2 cups for sugared topping and 2 cups for layer filling)
• 3 sprigs of fresh Rosemary
• 3 egg whites
• 1 cup of sugar

Directions

1. Wash and dry raspberries and rosemary sprigs.
2. Beat egg whites for 1 minute.
3. Lightly brush 2 cups of raspberries and rosemary with the egg whites.
4. Roll the egg white covered fruit and herbs in sugar and place on a drying rack.
5. Let it air dry for 30 minutes.

Assembly:

Place one layer of cake on a cake board or serving dish.  Spread 3/4 cup of the frosting with an offset spatula or icing piping bag.  Add fresh raspberries randomly to the top of that layer of icing. Top with the next layer of cake and push it down to incorporate raspberries into the icing. Repeat process on next layer. Once the final cake layer is on top, frost the top of the cake and give the sides a thin crumb coat with an offset spatula and icing smoother. With the icing smoother, you will want to remove much of the side icing to reveal the naked cake look. Top the cake with your sugared raspberries and garnish the cake stand with your sugared rosemary. To sum it up, I love this cake because it celebrates all the imperfections. It’s a bit messy looking with the perfect amount of sweetness. It is perfectly imperfect.

Valentine’s Day Recipes

I hope you enjoy this recipe with your family and friends. Don’t forget to check out my beautiful friend’s recipes for more inspiration at Thermaland Oaks Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cheesecake

and

Azure Farm’s No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake

Blessings to you this Valentine’s Day season!

Lana XO

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