Imagine a cake so exquisite, it captures the essence of sophistication and French culinary artistry - the legendary Diner en Blanc Cake. This stunning white-on-white dessert isn't just a cake; it's a statement of refined taste and elegance. Born from the iconic all-white Parisian dinner party tradition, this cake promises to transform your baking experience from ordinary to extraordinary, making every slice a celebration of culinary beauty.
Prep Time: 45 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: French
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup milk
- 3 eggs
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- White frosting for decoration
- Edible flowers for decoration
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour and baking powder to remove any lumps and ensure even distribution of leavening agents.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter and sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale yellow, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- Gently fold in the vanilla extract, mixing until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even surface.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. To test doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake - it should come out clean with no wet batter.
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, apply a smooth layer of white frosting, covering the entire cake surface evenly.
- Delicately arrange edible flowers on top of the frosted cake, creating an elegant and sophisticated design reminiscent of the Diner en Blanc event.
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set and enhance the cake's presentation.
Tips
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Sifting Matters: Always sift your flour and baking powder to prevent lumps and create a lighter, more delicate crumb.
- Don't Overmix: Mix your batter just until ingredients are combined to avoid a tough, dense cake.
- Frosting Technique: Use a bench scraper or offset spatula for perfectly smooth white frosting.
- Flower Selection: Choose edible flowers that are pesticide-free and have a delicate, neutral flavor.
- Chilling is Key: Refrigerate the cake before serving to set the frosting and enhance flavor melding.
- Presentation is Everything: Use a white cake stand or plate to maintain the Diner en Blanc aesthetic.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 95mg