As I whisked the eggs and buttermilk together, a shimmering memory floated back to me—one of joyous toasts and laughter shared with close friends over a celebratory meal. That enchanting spirit of togetherness inspired my quest for the perfect celebration cake. Enter the Champagne Cake, a dessert that captures the essence of a festive occasion in every glorious layered bite. With its delicate crumb and the subtle sparkle of champagne, this cake transforms any gathering into a joyous feast.
Picture this: a moist cake cradled between layers of vibrant strawberries and topped with a luscious Champagne Italian Meringue Buttercream. Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or even an impromptu dessert to elevate a weeknight dinner, this cake not only looks spectacular but also invites everyone to indulge in its delightful flavor. So grab your mixing bowls and let’s dive into the art of baking a cake that promises more than just sweetness—it’s an invitation to celebrate life’s little moments!
Why is this Champagne Cake so special?
Delightful and festive, this Champagne Cake brings the essence of celebration to your table.
Moist layers infused with champagne ensure every bite is a treat.
Versatile enough for weddings, anniversaries, or casual gatherings, this cake never fails to impress.
Flavor-packed, it balances fruitiness from fresh strawberries and the creamy richness of Italian meringue buttercream!
Time-saving tips make it easy to prepare ahead, so you can enjoy the festivities stress-free.
Show-stopping presentation will wow your guests, transforming any occasion into a glamorous affair.
2. Champagne Cake Ingredients
• Dive into the magic of Champagne Cake with these essential ingredients!
For the Cake
- Cake Flour – Provides a soft and tender crumb; substitute with a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch for similar results.
- Buttermilk – Adds moisture and slight tang; you can make a substitute by combining milk with vinegar or lemon juice.
- Champagne – Infuses a light, bubbly flavor into the cake; opt for a sweeter champagne for a more vibrant taste.
- Fresh Strawberries – Adds a delightful fruity layer that beautifully complements the champagne flavor.
- Eggs – Provide structure, richness, and a perfect rise to the cake.
- Salted Butter – Enhances the flavor and texture of the cake; switch to unsalted for better control over seasoning.
For the Buttercream
- Salted Butter – Creates a creamy base for the buttercream; using unsalted gives you more control over sweetness.
- Powdered Sugar – Sweetens the buttercream while achieving a smooth texture; sift it for best results.
- Champagne Reduction – Intensifies flavor in your buttercream; make this by simmering champagne until it thickens.
Optional Garnish
- Additional Strawberries – Use for decoration or serve alongside for an extra burst of flavor.
- Frosting Variations – Consider raspberry cream cheese or almond buttercream for exciting twists on the classic Champagne Cake!
This Champagne Cake recipe is sure to elevate your special occasion, making each slice a celebration in itself!
How to Make Champagne Cake
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Prepare the Cake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, and champagne until well blended. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed; be careful not to overmix!
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Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting. Cooling ensures a stable structure and prevents melting your frosting!
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Make Buttercream: Using an electric mixer, beat the salted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then fold in the champagne reduction to achieve a light, airy buttercream.
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Assemble Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving platter. Brush the top with champagne reduction, then spread a generous layer of buttercream. Repeat with the second layer, applying more buttercream on top and around the sides.
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Garnish (Optional): Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries or additional buttercream designs to create a stunning visual appeal!
Optional: Try adding a sprinkle of edible glitter for an extra festive look!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
This Champagne Cake is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time without compromising on quality! You can make the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply bake and let them cool completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating. The Champagne Italian Meringue Buttercream can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge—just be sure to re-whip it slightly before using to restore its creamy texture. For serving, frost the chilled cake and add any fresh strawberries right before your celebration to keep everything looking vibrant and delicious. This simple prep will ensure your Champagne Cake is as delightful as ever, making your special occasion stress-free!
Expert Tips for Champagne Cake
- Moisture Matters: Ensure a moist cake by using the combination of buttermilk and champagne. Skipping buttermilk can lead to dryness.
- Flavor Boost: For a pronounced champagne flavor, reduce the champagne before adding it to your batter. This extra step elevates your Champagne Cake!
- Butter Choice: Opt for unsalted butter in your buttercream for better control over saltiness and sweetness balance.
- Cooling Time: Always cool the cake layers completely before frosting. Frosting a warm cake can result in melting and sliding of the buttercream.
- Make-Ahead: You can store unfrosted cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap at room temperature or freeze them for future use; just frost them just before serving for freshness!
What to Serve with Champagne Cake?
Imagine a splendid gathering where your Champagne Cake takes center stage, accompanied by equally delightful dishes that enhance its festive spirit!
- Fresh Berries: Their vibrant colors and juicy sweetness perfectly complement the cake’s delicate flavors; think strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries!
- Light Salad: A refreshing arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette acts as a delightful contrast, cleansing the palate between sweet bites.
- Sparkling Wine: Pair your luscious cake with a chilled glass of bubbly; the effervescence beautifully enhances the celebratory vibe.
- Fruit Sorbet: The refreshing chill of sorbet, particularly lemon or raspberry, offers a light balance to the richness of the cake.
- Miniature Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecake treats add creaminess and richness that pairs wonderfully with the lightness of the Champagne Cake.
- Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: Indulgent yet elegant, these treats bring an extra layer of sweetness that resonates well with the cake’s festive feel.
- Almond Biscotti: Their crunchiness adds a delightful texture and flavors that harmonize splendidly with the moistness of the cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: A warm cup of coffee or espresso rounds out the experience, the bitterness cutting through the sweetness just right!
- White Chocolate Mousse: This light and airy dessert mirrors the ethereal texture of your cake, delicately closing the meal on a sweet note!
- Lemon Tart: For a zesty finish, a tangy lemon tart brings brightness that beautifully offsets the cake’s sweetness.
How to Store and Freeze Champagne Cake
- Room Temperature: Store the unfrosted cake layers at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and flavor.
- Fridge: If you have leftovers, keep the frosted cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cover it loosely to prevent the buttercream from hardening.
- Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cake layers for up to 3 months, ensuring they are well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge before frosting.
- Reheating: If desired, you can slightly warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enhance the cake’s moistness—perfect for enjoying your Champagne Cake!
Champagne Cake Variations
Feel free to make this recipe your own by exploring these delightful twists!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk and add a teaspoon of lemon juice to create a similar tang. This option is perfect for those with dairy sensitivities!
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Almond Delight: Swap champagne for Disaronno and add a splash of almond extract for an aromatic twist. The nutty flavor pairs beautifully with the buttercream, making each slice a more decadent experience.
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Berry Burst: Use raspberry puree instead of strawberries to layer the cake. This adds a vibrant pop of color and a tangy flavor that beautifully contrasts with the sweet buttercream.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in cocoa powder into the batter for a chocolate champagne cake. A chocolate ganache topping can elevate this already festive cake to the next level of indulgence!
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Citrus Zing: Infuse a little zest into your cake by adding lemon or orange zest to the batter. The zesty notes complement the champagne wonderfully, offering a refreshing profile.
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle some chopped pistachios between the layers or on top of the buttercream. Their crunchiness adds a delightful texture and a striking color contrast.
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Spice It Up: Incorporate cinnamon or nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, aromatic experience. This twist evokes the coziness of fall gatherings and holidays.
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Tropical Flair: Replace champagne with coconut milk and layer with diced mango. This tropical version is perfect for warm-weather celebrations and evokes a carefree vibe!
Champagne Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right champagne for this cake?
Absolutely! When selecting champagne for your cake, aim for a sweeter variety to give a more pronounced flavor. Look for labels indicating “Demi-Sec” or “Sec,” as their sweetness will enhance the overall taste of your Champagne Cake. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, dry champagne can still work, but you may want to compensate with a little more sugar in your batter or frosting.
How should I store leftover Champagne Cake?
Very! Store any leftover frosted cake in the fridge, where it will last for up to 5 days. Make sure to cover it loosely to avoid hardening the buttercream. If the cake is unfrosted, you can wrap each layer tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days. This practice preserves its moisture and flavor beautifully.
Can I freeze Champagne Cake? How?
Absolutely! To freeze unfrosted cake layers, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, transfer them to the fridge to thaw overnight. Frost them with Buttercream just before serving for the freshest taste!
What if my Champagne Cake doesn’t rise as expected?
Very! If your cake doesn’t rise as you hoped, it could be due to expired baking powder or overmixing the batter. To prevent this next time, always check the expiration date on your baking powder and mix until just combined after adding the wet ingredients. This way, you’ll retain the air bubbles necessary for a lovely rise!
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to make a dairy-free version of the Champagne Cake, you can substitute the buttermilk with a blend of almond milk (or any plant-based milk) and a splash of vinegar. This will mimic the acidity and moisture of buttermilk. For the buttercream, use dairy-free margarine or a vegan butter substitute, and enjoy a delightful dessert that everyone can enjoy!
Champagne Cake Recipe: Celebrate with This Moist Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Cake Mixture: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, mix the eggs, buttermilk, and champagne until well blended. Combine the wet and dry ingredients gently until just mixed; be careful not to overmix!
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Divide the batter evenly between prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes. Carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely before frosting.
- Make Buttercream: Using an electric mixer, beat the salted butter in a bowl until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until smooth, then fold in the champagne reduction.
- Assemble Cake: Place one cooled cake layer on your serving platter. Brush the top with champagne reduction, then spread a generous layer of buttercream. Repeat with the second layer, applying more buttercream on top and around the sides.
- Garnish (Optional): Decorate the top of the cake with fresh strawberries or additional buttercream designs.