Pink Champagne Cake

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350F and grease and flour three 6" cake rounds, line with parchment.

Step 2

In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth. Add sugar and beat on med-high until pale and fluffy (2-3mins).

Step 4

Reduce speed and add egg whites one at a time, fully incorporating after each addition. Add vanilla.

Step 5

Alternate adding flour mixture and champagne, beginning and ending with flour (3 additions of flour and 2 of champagne). Fully incorporating after each addition.

Step 6

Add a small amount of Fuschia color gel using a toothpick. Mix to incorporate but try not to overmix.

Step 7

Spread batter evenly into prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

Step 8

Bake for approx. 35 mins or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 9

Place cakes on wire rack to cool for 10mins then turn out onto wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10

Place egg whites and sugar into the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk until combined.*

Step 11

Place bowl over a hot water bath on the stove and whisk constantly until the mixture is hot and no longer grainy to the touch (approx. 3mins).

Step 12

Place bowl on your stand mixer and whisk on med-high until the meringue is stiff and cooled (the bowl is no longer warm to the touch (approx. 5-10mins)).

Step 13

Switch to paddle attachment. Slowly add cubed butter and mix until smooth. Add vanilla and continue to whip until smooth.**

Step 14

Place one layer of cake on a cake stand or serving plate. Top with approximately 2/3 cup of frosting and spread evenly. Repeat with remaining layers and apply a thin coat of frosting all over the cake. Chill for 20mins.

Step 15

Frost and smooth the sides. Chill for 20mins.

Step 16

Using a toothpick, add a small amount of Fuschia color gel to the remaining frosting. Stir with a spatula to incorporate, or place back on the stand mixer to mix in the color.

Step 17

Gently press cake sparkles or sanding sugar into the sides and top of the cake.***

Step 18

Decorate with pink rosettes on top and beads along the bottom if desired.