In the realm of classic desserts, the black and white layer cake stands out as an icon of culinary artistry, enticing cake enthusiasts with its striking contrast and harmonious flavors. This delectable treat, hailing from the kitchens of yesteryears, has captured hearts and taste buds alike with its alternating layers of rich chocolate and delicate vanilla, separated by a pillowy white frosting. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice venturing into the world of layered cakes, embarking on the journey to create a perfect black and white layer cake can be a rewarding experience. This comprehensive guide will unveil the secrets to crafting this timeless masterpiece, providing step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and a selection of the most coveted recipes. Let us delve into the world of this layer cake and discover the art of creating a dessert that will delight and astound your friends and family.
Let's cook with our recipes!
BLACK FOREST LAYER CAKE
If you're looking for a baking project or beautiful (and wildly delicious!) layered cake for a special occasion, look no further than this Black Forest Layer Cake. Three layers of a moist chocolate cake are separated by a from-scratch cherry filling (made with dark sweet cherries) that's both rich and tart in its taste, then frosted with a Swiss buttercream frosting and decorated with shaved chocolate and a pile of maraschino cherries. What makes this cake truly special is the "double dam" frosting border! Frosting is piped twice on the outside edge of the cake layer so there's a thick layer of buttercream that holds in the cherry filling. The end result is a dramatic black and white look and a touch of extra Swiss buttercream for frosting lovers. This cake is an absolute stunner, and it will reward the baker and the guests alike!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 3h30m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray bottoms and sides of 3 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; line with cooking parchment paper.
- In small bowl, mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another small bowl, beat baking cocoa and 1 1/4 cups water with whisk until well blended. Set both bowls aside.
- In bowl of electric stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat 2/3 cup softened butter and 1 1/3 cups sugar on medium speed 2 to 3 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally, until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low; beat in eggs, one at a time, just until smooth. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla. On low speed, beat in one-third of the flour mixture, then half of the cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition, just until smooth. Repeat with flour mixture and cocoa mixture, ending with flour mixture. Scrape side of bowl occasionally. Pour 1 2/3 cups batter in each pan; spread evenly. Tap pans on counter 2 to 3 times to eliminate air bubbles from batter.
- Bake 18 to 22 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour.
- Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, beat 1/2 cup sugar and the cornstarch with whisk. Beat in 1/3 cup water until smooth. Stir in chopped cherries. On medium-high heat, heat cherry mixture to boiling; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 1 tablespoon butter. Pour into small bowl. Refrigerate uncovered at least 1 hour.
- In medium glass or metal bowl, beat egg whites and 1 1/2 cups sugar with whisk until blended. Set over pan of simmering water, beating occasionally, 16 to 20 minutes or until sugar has dissolved and egg mixture reaches 160°F. Remove from heat; pour into bowl of electric stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment. Beat on high speed 2 to 3 minutes or until glossy peaks form and bowl has cooled to feel slightly warm. Still on high speed, slowly add 1 1/2 cups butter, one piece at a time, scraping side of bowl occasionally, until mixture is smooth, thick and shiny, 12 to 14 minutes. Beat in 2 teaspoons vanilla. If mixture separates, beat until smooth.
- Fit decorating bag with 1/2-inch round piping tip; fill with frosting. Place one cake layer on serving plate. Pipe a thick frosting border around top edge of cake layer. Pipe a second border just inside the first border. Spread 2/3 cup of the cherry filling over top of cake inside borders. Top with second cake layer; repeat borders and filling. Place third cake layer on top. Frost side and top of cake with remaining frosting. Press shaved chocolate around bottom half of cake. Refrigerate 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, mound maraschino cherries in center of cake. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 700, Carbohydrate 83 g, Cholesterol 135 mg, Fat 7, Fiber 3 g, Protein 7 g, SaturatedFat 23 g, ServingSize 1 Slice, Sodium 600 mg, Sugar 62 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g
BUTTERMILK WHITE LAYER CAKE
I would suggest to mix the butter with the dry ingredients and add the buttermilk to that without the sugar, then beat the egg whites with the sugar to create a meringue (until the mixture forms peaks) and fold that mixture in with the rest of the cake.
Provided by Jenykell
Categories Desserts Cakes Birthday Cake Recipes
Time 1h45m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour 2 9-inch round baking pans.
- Beat butter and vanilla extract together in a bowl until creamy. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a separate bowl. Beat butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, into flour mixture until fully incorporated.
- Beat egg whites in a glass or metal bowl until foamy. Gradually add sugar, continuing to beat until medium peaks form. Lift your beater or whisk straight up: the tip of the peak formed by the egg whites should curl over slightly. Fold egg white mixture into batter until just combined. Pour batter evenly into the prepared baking pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.
- Spread frosting atop one of the cakes and top with second cake. Spread the remaining frosting over the top cake and around the sides of both cakes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 400 calories, Carbohydrate 65.4 g, Cholesterol 16.1 mg, Fat 14.9 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3.7 g, SaturatedFat 6.5 g, Sodium 273.9 mg, Sugar 48.7 g
BLACK-AND-WHITE PANCAKE CAKE
Talk about a showstopper! A stack of traditional flapjacks with butter and syrup is fabulous enough as is, but here we're taking that idea into mind-blowing dessert territory. Maple-sweetened chocolate cake batter is cooked up like pancakes into thin layers and then sand-wiched with lots of maple cream that beckons for a covert finger swipe. A few hidden slicks of bittersweet chocolate ganache add a major swoon factor to this over-the-top sweet stack.
Provided by Shauna Sever
Categories Cake Chocolate Brunch Dessert Kid-Friendly Birthday Pescatarian Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Kosher Small Plates
Yield Serves 8-10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- 1. Preheat a griddle over low heat for at least 10 minutes. (You want the griddle nice and hot over as low heat as possible to avoid burning the pancakes and to give them ample time to cook through.)
- 2. Make the pancakes: Whip up a batch of Maple Chocolate Cake, adding the water to the wet ingredients before whisking the batter until smooth.
- 3. Spray the griddle generously with nonstick spray. Making 2 pancakes at a time, pour two 1/2-cup scoops of batter onto the griddle. Use the back of a spoon to gently swirl and coax the pancakes into 7-inch circles. Cook the pancakes until the edges appear dry and set and bubbles are no longer popping on the surfaces, about 4 minutes on the first side. Use a thin, flexible metal spatula to gently flip the pancakes. Cook about 2 minutes more, or until the centers of the pancakes spring back when lightly touched. Remove the layers to wire racks to cool completely. Repeat the batter scooping and cooking process until you have 8 cake layers.
- 4. Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and place 4 cake layers in a single layer on each sheet. Chill in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.
- 5. Make the cream filling: Pour the cream into a medium bowl. Whip the cream on high speed to stiff peaks. In a separate medium bowl, place the mascarpone, maple syrup, and vanilla bean paste. Beat on low speed, just until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 30 seconds-don't overbeat, or the mascarpone will seize. Gently fold in the whipped cream until smooth.
- 6. Make the ganache filling: Combine the bittersweet chocolate with the cream in a small heatproof bowl. Microwave on high power for 45 to 60 seconds. Whisk the ganache until the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth and the texture of chocolate pudding. Remove about 2 tablespoons of ganache to a small bowl and set aside for garnish.
- 7. To assemble the cake, remove the pancake layers from the refrigerator. Inspect the layers; choose the most handsome to be the top layer and set it aside. Place 1 cake layer on a serving platter or cake stand. Dollop on 1/3 cup ofthe maple mascarpone cream and use a small offset spatula to smooth it out, with a l/2-inch border all around. Place a second layer on top, and press lightly to help it adhere. Spread about 2 1/2 tablespoons of ganache onto the layer, also with a 1/2-inch border around the cake. Continue the layering process 6 more times, alternating maple mascarpone cream and chocolate ganache with the layers, placing the best-looking cake layer on top.
- 8. To the remaining chocolate ganache, add a drizzle of cream, only about l/2 teaspoon or so, just enough to thin itto a honeylike consistency (warm the ganache in the microwave for about lO seconds or so to loosen it up first, if necessary). Drizzle the ganache artfully over the cake. Chill the cake for about 30 minutes before serving. This cake can be made up to 1 day in advance (let it soften on the counter for 15 minutes before slicing).
BASIC WHITE LAYER CAKE
Every recipe file should contain a standard delicious cake like this. Topped with your favorite flavor of frosting, it's great for any occasion.-Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 45m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition., Spread evenly into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Spread frosting between layers and over the top and sides of cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 12g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 16mg cholesterol, Sodium 292mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.
BLACK AND WHITE CAKE
Moist, lowfat, chocolate AND vanilla in ONE CAKE! Doesn't need frosting. I have made this so many times over the years with great success. PERFECT for the smaller family! A big kudos to Cooking Light!
Provided by Amberngriffinco
Categories Dessert
Time 45m
Yield 9 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Coat an 8 inch square pan with cooking spray, dust with 2 teaspoons flour.
- Place butter in large microwavable safe bowl. Cover and microwave 1 minute, or til butter melts. Add sugar, stir with a whisk. Add vanilla and egg whites, stir well. Stir in buttermilk, salt, baking soda.
- Lightly spoon 1 1/2 C flour into dry measuring cups, level with knife. Add flour, stirring JUST till blended. (DO NOT OVERSTIR) Spread half of batter into prepared pan. Add cocoa and almond extract to remaining batter, stir well with a whisk. Slowly pour chocolate batter over batter in pan.
- Bake 350 degrees for 30 min or till wooden pick comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pan on wire rack. Cut into squares.
- 9 squares: Each cake square: 255 calories/5g protein/40.9g carb/22mg chol/1.3mg iron/324mg sod/32mg calc.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 254, Fat 8.3, SaturatedFat 5.2, Cholesterol 21.2, Sodium 300.3, Carbohydrate 40.7, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 23.5, Protein 4.9
BASIC WHITE TWO-LAYER CAKE AND WHITE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE
This is hands-down the best made-from-scratch white cake recipe I have ever tried!
Provided by Camille Beckstrand
Categories Dessert
Time 1h25m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and make sure that the rack is in the center of your oven. Spray two 8" round cake pans very generously with non-stick cooking spray (I used Baker's Joy ).
- In a large bowl, mix together cake flour, salt, and baking powder; set bowl aside.
- In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until it's light and fluffy (you can use a standing mixer or an electric hand mixer).
- In a large measuring cup, combine the milk, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Now it's time to add them all together! Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the butter mixture and blend on a low speed for about 30 seconds. Add about 1/2 of the milk mixture and blend again. Add in half of what's left of the flour mixture and blend again. Add in the rest of the milk mixture, blend for a couple of seconds, then the remaining flour mixture and blend at a low speed until the ingredients are barely mixed together (don't over mix!).
- In a separate bowl (or in your stand mixer using the whisk attachment), beat the egg whites on medium-high speed until they reach "firm peak stage" (a.k.a. when the whisk is held sideways, the peaks will hold and the ridges will be distinct - this took about five minutes of whisking for me!). Fold the egg whites into the cake batter.
- Pour the cake batter evenly into the two prepared pans and bake them for 20-26 minutes (mine were done at 25), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove the cakes and let them finish cooling on wire racks.
- Combine the shortening, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl (you can use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer). Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, alternating with the milk or heavy cream, and mix it together until you have used it all. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk. If the frosting is too thin, add more sugar.
- Place one of your cooled, leveled cake layers on your cake stand . Using an offset spatula, place about 1/2 cup of frosting in the middle of the cake. Using your spatula, push the frosting out to the edges until the frosting is about 1/4"-1/2" thick (if you have a rotating cake stand, this step is really easy, but you can do it without it).
- Place the second layer of cake on top. You will now create the crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting that seals in all the crumbs to make it easy to decorate). Using the offset spatula, spread the frosting that has spilled out from between the layers smoothly over the surface. Add more frosting as needed, just keep the layer thin and smooth.
- Place about 1/2 cup of frosting on the top of the cake, pushing the frosting out to the edges until it's a smooth, flat surface.
- Now place the spatula against the edges of the cake and smooth out the excess frosting pushed over from the top of the cake.
- To help the cake firm up, stick it in the freezer for about 1-2 hours.
- From here, drop 1/2 cup frosting on the center of the cake and push it out to the edges as you did before, making the surface nice and smooth.
- Continue adding frosting to the top and edges of the cake until it's the smoothness and thickness you want. (Amanda says that the best way to get smooth frosting is to practice!)
- From there, continue to add more frosting to the top and sides of the cake until it's completely covered. I topped mine off with sprinkles, but you could get fancy and add some frosting decorations
Nutrition Facts : Calories 830 kcal, Carbohydrate 128 g, Protein 6 g, Fat 34 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, TransFat 3 g, Cholesterol 44 mg, Sodium 242 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 104 g, ServingSize 1 serving
Tips:
- Mise en Place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all your ingredients and equipment ready to go. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
- Proper Measurements: Accurately measure your ingredients using the correct measuring cups and spoons. This will ensure that your cake turns out perfectly.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring your eggs, butter, and milk to room temperature before mixing. This will help them combine more easily and create a smooth batter.
- Creaming Butter and Sugar: Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the batter, resulting in a light and airy cake.
- Alternating Dry and Wet Ingredients: When adding the dry and wet ingredients to the batter, do so in alternating additions. Start with a dry ingredient, then a wet ingredient, and so on. This will help prevent the batter from becoming too dry or too wet.
- Folding in Egg Whites: When folding in the egg whites, do so gently using a spatula. Overmixing can deflate the egg whites and make the batter flat.
- Baking Times and Temperatures: Bake the cake according to the recipe's instructions. Every oven is different, so it's important to keep an eye on the cake to ensure it doesn't overbake.
- Cooling the Cake: Once the cake is baked, allow it to cool completely before frosting. This will help prevent the frosting from melting and sliding off the cake.
Conclusion:
With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a stunning and delicious black and white layer cake that will impress your friends and family. Remember to follow the tips provided in this article and enjoy the process of baking this classic dessert.
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