Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups cake flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 5 large egg whites
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- Pastel food coloring (pink, yellow, blue, and green)
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened) for frosting
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract for frosting
- Pinch of salt for frosting
- Food coloring (optional, for colored frosting)
- Peeps marshmallow bunnies & chicks for decoration
- Easter sprinkles for decoration
- Shredded coconut (optional, for a grass effect)
- Mini chocolate eggs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add egg whites one at a time, mixing until well combined.
- Stir in vanilla extract and optional almond extract.
- Alternately add the flour mixture and milk, mixing until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into four bowls.
- Add a few drops of pastel food coloring to each bowl (pink, yellow, blue, and green), stirring gently.
- Pour batter into prepared cake pans.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar while mixing well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream; beat until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- If desired, tint frosting with pastel food coloring.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread a thin layer of frosting on top.
- Repeat with remaining layers while stacking them evenly.
- Frost the top and sides of the entire cake with a smooth layer of buttercream.
- Press Peeps marshmallow bunnies and chicks around the sides of the cake.
- Sprinkle Easter sprinkles on top for added festivity.
- Optionally tint shredded coconut green with food coloring for 'grass' effect; scatter on top.
- Arrange mini chocolate eggs in the center for an extra special touch.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing. Customize flavors by adding extracts like almond or lemon. Decorate creatively with candies or fresh fruit alongside Peeps.
