The Most Beautiful Crystal Cakes You Will Ever See from food.ndtv.com
Introduction
Crystal cakes are a unique and beautiful dessert that is sure to impress any guest. These cakes are also known as geode cakes or gemstone cakes because of the crystal-like structure they have when cut open. The cake itself is usually a vanilla sponge cake that is dyed and filled with a sweet buttercream filling. The outer layer of the cake is covered with a fondant to give it a smooth finish. The crystal-like structure is created using rock candy or sugar crystals that are placed inside the cake.
Ingredients
The ingredients needed for a crystal cake are as follows: For the cake: - 2 cups of all-purpose flour - 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar - 3 teaspoons of baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup of milk - 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract - 3 large eggs - Food coloring For the filling: - 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups of powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract - 3-4 tablespoons of milk For the decoration: - 2 cups of rock candy or sugar crystals - Fondant - Edible gold leaf
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease three 8-inch cake pans with butter and line them with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. 3. Add the softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs to the bowl. Mix with an electric mixer on medium speed until the batter is smooth. 4. Divide the batter into three equal parts. Add food coloring to each part and mix until the batter is colored. 5. Pour the colored batter into the prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack. 7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the filling. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. Beat until the filling is smooth and creamy. 8. Place one of the cakes on a cake stand or plate. Spread a layer of the filling on top of the cake. Repeat with the remaining cakes, stacking them on top of each other. 9. Cover the cake with a thin layer of fondant. Smooth the fondant with a rolling pin and trim the edges. 10. Crush the rock candy or sugar crystals into small pieces. Place the pieces inside the cake, creating a hollow space in the center. 11. Cover the hollow space with a layer of fondant. 12. Apply edible gold leaf on the surface of the cake.
Nutrition
Crystal cakes are a dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation. One slice of crystal cake contains approximately 350 calories, 15 grams of fat, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 3 grams of protein. The filling and decoration of the cake can add additional calories and sugar. It is best to enjoy crystal cakes as a special treat and not as a regular part of your diet.
Conclusion
Crystal cakes are a beautiful and delicious dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. This recipe is simple to follow and can be customized with different food coloring and fillings. The rock candy or sugar crystals give the cake a unique and stunning appearance that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy the magic of crystal cakes with your loved ones!
