Winter Vanilla Snowflake Cake
The Winter Vanilla Snowflake Cake is a delightful treat that’s as pretty as a snowflake and just as special. It’s a soft, fluffy vanilla cake with a sweet vanilla frosting…
Tip: save now, cook later.The Winter Vanilla Snowflake Cake is a delightful treat that’s as pretty as a snowflake and just as special. It’s a soft, fluffy vanilla cake with a sweet vanilla frosting that feels like a gentle winter hug. The cake decorated with delicate snowflake shapes makes it perfect for chilly days when you want to bring some cozy magic indoors.
I love making this cake when the cold weather sets in because it brightens the whole room and gets everyone smiling. The vanilla flavor is simple and comforting, and the little snowflake decorations add a playful touch that always impresses friends and family. I find that the frosting is just right – not too heavy, just sweet enough to make every bite lovely without being overwhelming.
My favorite way to enjoy this cake is with a warm cup of tea or hot cocoa, sitting by the window while watching the snow fall outside (if you’re lucky enough to have snow!). It’s a nice way to add a little celebration to an ordinary winter day, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser at holiday gatherings. I promise this cake will bring a bit of winter cheer to your kitchen and your taste buds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose Flour: This gives the cake structure and tenderness. If you want a lighter cake, cake flour is a great substitute. For gluten-free, use a blend designed for baking, but results may vary.
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor and moisture. You can swap it with margarine or plant-based butter for dairy-free, but the taste might be less creamy.
Granulated Sugar: It sweetens and helps with texture. If you prefer less sweetness, reduce slightly or try coconut sugar for a hint of caramel flavor.
Eggs: They provide structure and help the cake rise. For vegan options, blend mashed banana or applesauce, but texture will change.
Vanilla Extract: This is key for that warm vanilla taste. Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor. If you don’t have it, vanilla bean paste or a good-quality imitation works.
Milk: Whole milk keeps the cake moist and tender. Use any milk you have on hand, like almond or oat milk for dairy-free versions; just make sure it’s unsweetened.
Powdered Sugar: Essential for smooth, creamy buttercream. Sifting helps keep the frosting lump-free. You can add cornstarch if it’s too sweet.
Edible Glitter & Dragees: These bring the festive snowflake look. If you want to skip them, a dusting of powdered sugar can mimic fresh snow on top.
How Do I Pipe Beautiful Snowflake Decorations on My Cake?
Piping snowflakes can seem tricky but is a fun skill to learn. Here’s how to get sweet designs:
- Use the Right Tip: A small round or star tip lets you make delicate lines and details.
- Practice First: Pipe snowflake shapes on parchment paper before decorating the cake to get comfortable.
- Keep Frosting Firm: The buttercream should be thick enough to hold shape but smooth enough to pipe easily.
- Steady Hands: Hold the piping bag at a 90-degree angle and pipe slowly for control.
- Break Down the Snowflake: Start with a simple star or cross shape, then add small branches to mimic snowflake arms.
- Add Sparkle Last: Sprinkle edible glitter or place dragees gently once the frosting sets a bit.
With a bit of patience and practice, your snowflakes will look lovely and add winter magic to your cake!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Two 8-inch round cake pans – perfect size for even layers that bake well together.
- Electric mixer – makes creaming butter and sugar fast and easy for smooth batter and frosting.
- Mixing bowls – handy for combining dry and wet ingredients separately.
- Spatula – great for scraping bowls clean and spreading frosting smoothly.
- Piping bags and fine decorating tips – essential for creating detailed snowflake designs and frosting rosettes.
- Cooling racks – help your cakes cool evenly and prevent sogginess.
- Offset spatula – makes frosting the cake clean and even without mess.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a teaspoon of almond extract with vanilla for a nutty twist that’s subtle and lovely.
- Mix in one cup of fresh or frozen berries (blueberries or raspberries) into the batter for a fruity surprise.
- Swap half the milk for coconut milk to add a gentle tropical flavor and extra moisture.
- Stir in lemon zest to brighten up the vanilla and give the cake a fresh, zingy touch.
Winter Vanilla Snowflake Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Vanilla Cake:
- 2 ¾ cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) whole milk, room temperature
For the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
- 6 cups (720g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- Pinch of salt
For Decoration:
- White and gold edible glitter or luster dust
- Silver dragees (edible silver balls)
- Piping bags and snowflake piping tips or fine detailing tips
- Optional: Royal icing or fondant for snowflake appliques
How Much Time Will You Need?
About 20 minutes of active prep time, 30-35 minutes baking, plus cooling time of at least 30 minutes, and about 20-30 minutes chilling after the crumb coat. Decorating might take an additional 15-20 minutes depending on your design speed. All together, plan for roughly 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Cake Batter:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two 8-inch round cake pans by greasing and flouring them, then lining the bottoms with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together, then set aside. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each, then mix in the vanilla extract. Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with the flour, and beat just until combined to avoid overmixing.
2. Baking the Cake:
Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes rest in their pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
3. Making the Vanilla Buttercream:
Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract, salt, and 3 tablespoons of cream or milk, then beat on high for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add extra cream or milk as needed to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
4. Assembling and Frosting the Cake:
Level the cake tops if necessary. Place one layer on a cake plate or turntable, spreading a thick, even layer of buttercream over it. Place the second layer on top and cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to set this layer. Then apply a final smooth and even frosting layer all over.
5. Decorating with Snowflakes:
Using a piping bag fitted with fine tips, pipe delicate snowflake designs around the sides and top of the cake with buttercream. Add swirls or rosettes along the top edge with a star or round tip. Sprinkle edible white and gold glitter or luster dust on your snowflakes to create beautiful shimmer. Place silver dragees carefully around the snowflakes and rosettes for extra sparkle and a festive touch.
6. Final Touches:
Optionally, prepare royal icing or fondant snowflake appliques ahead of time and gently place them on the frosted cake for added elegance. Chill the finished cake for 15 minutes to let the decorations set before serving.
Enjoy your gorgeous and delicious Winter Vanilla Snowflake Cake, perfect for celebrating the magic of the season!
Can I Use a Different Size Cake Pan?
Yes! You can use 9-inch pans instead of 8-inch, but the baking time may be shorter—start checking around 25 minutes. Just keep an eye on it and use a toothpick to test doneness.
How Should I Store Leftover Cake?
Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Can I Make This Cake Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute dairy milk with almond, oat, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free margarine or vegan butter in place of butter. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How Do I Prevent Buttercream from Melting While Decorating?
Make sure your buttercream is chilled but still soft enough to pipe. Work in a cool room or chill the cake between decorating steps to keep the frosting firm and prevent melting.