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Beach Themed Birthday Cake

Beach Themed Birthday Cake
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This Beach Themed Birthday Cake is a showstopping, yet surprisingly simple to create, vanilla cake decorated to resemble a miniature edible beach with gummy sharks and candy seashells. It offers an incredible wow factor without complex techniques and focuses on both flavor and presentation, making it a family favorite for any celebration.

Ingredients

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2 ½ cups All-purpose flour
1 ¾ cups Granulated sugar
1 tbsp Baking powder
½ tsp Salt
1 cup (2 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened
4 Large eggs
1 cup Whole milk
2 cups (4 sticks) Unsalted butter, softened
6–8 cups Powdered sugar
4–6 tbsp Heavy cream or milk
2 tsp Vanilla extract
As needed Blue food coloring
1 ½ cups Graham cracker crumbs
Assorted Candy seashells
1 pkg Gummy sharks or fish
6–8 Miniature cocktail umbrellas
Optional White chocolate
Optional Ocean-themed sprinkles

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans. You can also line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt
  3. In a separate, larger bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in the large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg incorporates fully before adding the next. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed
  4. Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the whole milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Do not overmix
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clea
  6. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes. Then, invert them onto a wire rack to cool completely
  7. While the cakes cool, prepare your buttercream. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter until smooth. Gradually beat in the sifted powdered sugar, alternating with splashes of heavy cream or milk, until you achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract
  8. Divide about two-thirds of the buttercream into two portions. Leave one portion white. Tint the other large portion with blue food coloring. Keep the remaining one-third of the buttercream white for the sand-colored portio
  9. Once your cakes are completely cool, level them using a serrated knife if necessary. Place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of white or blue frosting over the top. Place the second cake layer on top
  10. Apply a thin layer of blue frosting all over the top and sides of the entire cake (crumb coat). Refrigerate the cake for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat
  11. Remove the cake from the fridge. Apply a thicker, even layer of blue frosting to the top and sides of the cake. Smooth it out with an offset spatula
  12. Take the remaining white buttercream. Mix in the graham cracker crumbs until you achieve a sandy texture
  13. Gently press the 'sand' frosting mixture onto one side or a portion of the top of your blue-frosted cake. Use your spatula to create a gentle slope or beach line. Arrange your candy seashells, gummy sharks, and fish on the 'sand' and in the 'water.' Add miniature cocktail umbrellas

Notes

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before baking for a smoother batter and tender cake crumb.

Do not overmix cake batter once flour is added to avoid a tough, dry cake.

Use a sharp, serrated knife to level cake layers for stable stacking.

Apply a crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) to seal in crumbs and chill the cake for 15-20 minutes before applying the final frosting layer.

Use gel food coloring for vibrant blue ocean frosting without thinning.

Process graham crackers finely for sand, or leave some larger for varied texture; consider adding a tiny bit of brown sugar for extra sparkle.

Pre-plan decoration layout before applying to the cake for best results.

Store cake at room temperature in an airtight carrier for 2-3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Allow refrigerated cake to come to room temperature before serving.

Unfrosted cake layers can be frozen for up to 2-3 months, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fabiloustaste.com/beach-themed-birthday-cake/