Number Cake Recipe
If you’re looking to wow your guests with a show-stopping yet utterly delicious dessert, the Number Cake is your golden ticket. This cake isn’t just a treat for the taste buds; it’s an edible work of art that combines a soft, buttery crumb with luscious cream cheese frosting and a vibrant crown of fresh fruits and charming decorations. The beauty of the Number Cake lies in its versatility and stunning presentation, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion where you want to add a personal touch by featuring meaningful numbers or letters. Once you get the hang of it, this cake becomes a favorite go-to that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Number Cake uses simple, staple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, but each one plays an important role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. From the rich butter and cream cheese that provide a silky frosting base to the fresh, colorful fruits that bring brightness and freshness, every component is essential.
- Butter (1 cup, softened at room temp): Provides moisture and richness for the cake’s tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 3/4 cups): Sweetens and helps create a light, fluffy texture.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds warm, aromatic flavor.
- Eggs (4, room temperature): Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- Cake flour (3 cups): Ensures a soft, delicate crumb essential for the Number Cake’s lightness.
- Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Salt (3/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Whole milk (1 cup, room temperature): Adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Cream cheese (16 ounces, softened): Creates the luscious, tangy frosting base.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): Adds creaminess and improves frosting texture.
- Powdered sugar (8 cups): Sweetens the frosting and helps achieve stiff peaks.
- Milk or heavy whipping cream (1 tablespoon or more): Adjusts frosting consistency as needed.
- Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor in the frosting.
- Fresh fruits (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc.): Provide natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Macarons, Amaretti cookies, candies, chocolate, marshmallows: Add texture and playful decoration.
- Fresh edible flowers and herbs: Give the cake an elegant, garden-fresh look.
How to Make Number Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Cake Pan and Preheat Oven
Getting your pans ready is a simple step that ensures your beautiful Number Cake layers come out cleanly. Whether you’re using silicone or metal pans, a light coating of butter or cooking spray does the trick, and lining metal pans with parchment paper helps prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to a friendly 350°F to get it ready for baking.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start off by beating the softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes until pale and fluffy. This not only combines ingredients but also traps air for a light cake texture. Then stir in vanilla extract for that irresistible aroma.
Step 3: Add Eggs One at a Time
Introduce the eggs one by one, beating well after each addition. This gradual process ensures even mixing and a smooth batter. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl sides so everything blends together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk the cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. This helps distribute the rising agents evenly, important for your cake’s texture. Adding dry ingredients gradually in thirds alternated with milk keeps the batter smooth without overmixing.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Scoop the batter into your prepared pans and spread evenly using an offset spatula for a smooth surface. Slide them into the oven and bake for around 30 minutes, but keep an eye starting at 20 minutes. The cake’s ready when it’s lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Level the Cake Layers
Allow your layers to cool completely in their pans on a wire rack to prevent breakage. Then, if needed, carefully level them with a serrated knife for a flat, polished surface that’s perfect for stacking and decorating your Number Cake.
Step 7: Freeze for Easy Frosting
Once leveled and cut in half, place the cake layers on parchment-lined sheets and freeze for at least 30 minutes. This step firms up the cakes, making it much easier to pipe frosting and layer without crumbs mixing in.
Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
Whip together the softened cream cheese and butter until just combined, then slowly add powdered sugar while mixing on low. Add milk or cream gradually to reach a thick consistency that holds stiff peaks. This frosting is the luscious star that holds your Number Cake together.
Step 9: Assemble the Number Cake Layers
Place the first cake layer on your serving platter and pipe dollops of frosting all over, holding the piping bag upright for neat peaks. Gently position the second layer on top, ensuring no crumbs fall on the frosting sides, and pipe another layer of frosting peaks on top to prepare for decoration.
Step 10: Decorate with Fresh Fruits and Toppings
Just before serving, unleash your creativity by adorning the Number Cake with fresh berries, macarons, candies, edible flowers, and other delightful treats. This finishing touch elevates the cake’s look to an elegant, trendy masterpiece sure to impress everyone.
How to Serve Number Cake
Garnishes
The magic of the Number Cake comes alive when you dress it up with a vibrant bouquet of garnishes. Pile on a mix of fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a pop of color and freshness, add a few macarons or Amaretti cookies for crunch, and sprinkle edible flowers or herbs to give it a sophisticated, garden-inspired flair.
Side Dishes
Pair your Number Cake with simple sides that won’t compete but complement its delicate flavors. Think lightly sweetened whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, or a bright citrus sorbet. These sides add contrast and balance, making each bite feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is a huge part of the Number Cake’s charm. Consider shaping your cake into special numbers or letters that mean something to your occasion and serve it on a sleek white platter to let the colors shine. You can also get creative by layering different flavored frostings or adding gold leaf or edible glitter to amp up the wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, store your Number Cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the frosting firm and the fresh toppings vibrant while preventing the cake from drying out. Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to make the cake in advance, freezing works well. Freeze the unfrosted cake layers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to assemble, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before piping frosting and decorating with fresh toppings.
Reheating
Since this cake tastes best cool, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, let refrigerated slices come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to bring out the full creaminess and flavors of the Number Cake.
FAQs
Can I use a different flavor for the frosting?
Absolutely! While the classic cream cheese buttercream is perfect here, you can add flavors like lemon zest, almond extract, or even a bit of cocoa powder to customize your frosting and give your Number Cake a unique twist.
What if I don’t have cake flour?
If cake flour isn’t available, you can make a substitute by measuring out 3 cups of all-purpose flour, removing 6 tablespoons, and replacing them with 6 tablespoons of cornstarch. Sift it well before using to keep your cake light and tender.
How do I keep the cake from crumbling during assembly?
Freezing the cake layers before frosting is the key trick. Firm layers handle the piping and stacking much better, preventing crumbles and messy edges so your Number Cake looks clean and flawless.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free cake flour blend instead of regular cake flour, making sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The rest of the recipe remains the same, so you won’t miss a beat on texture or flavor.
How long will the Number Cake stay fresh after assembling?
For peak freshness, enjoy your cake within 3-4 days if stored refrigerated. Since fresh fruits are involved, it’s best to add them just before serving or store assembled cake covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent fruit spoilage.
Final Thoughts
The Number Cake is truly one of those desserts that brings joy not just in the eating but throughout the entire process of making and sharing it. Its simple ingredients come together in a way that looks impressive and tastes divine, perfect for celebrating life’s milestones or just indulging in a special treat. Give this recipe a try and watch how it becomes a beloved centerpiece at your next gathering!
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Number Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 large number-shaped cake, serves approximately 12-16 people 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Number Cake recipe features a soft, moist cake layered with luscious cream cheese buttercream and adorned with an assortment of fresh fruits, candies, and edible decorations. Perfect for birthdays or special celebrations, this cake combines beautiful presentation with delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 cup butter, softened at room temperature
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 4 eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups cake flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
- 16 oz full fat cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon or more whole milk or heavy whipping cream (as needed to reach desired consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Decorations
- Sliced strawberries
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
- Other fresh fruit of choice
- Macarons
- Amoretti cookies
- Candies
- Chocolate pieces
- Marshmallows
- Fresh edible flowers
- Fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare Cake Pans: If using silicone pans, spray with cooking spray or coat with butter. For metal pans, line the bottom with parchment paper strips to prevent sticking.
- Preheat Oven: Set oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) to preheat while preparing the batter.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer, beat softened butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and creamy.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar until incorporated.
- Add Eggs: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition and scraping down the bowl sides to ensure even mixing.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk: On low mixer speed, add one-third of the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture and mix until nearly absorbed, then add half the milk and mix. Repeat by adding another third of flour, remaining milk, and finally the last third of flour, scraping sides each time to avoid overmixing.
- Fill Cake Pans: Use a large cookie scoop to drop batter into prepared pans and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- Bake: Place pans in oven and bake for about 30 minutes, beginning to check at 20 minutes. The cake is done when golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let cakes cool completely in the pans on wire racks.
- Level Cakes: Use a large serrated knife to level the tops if needed for even stacking.
- Freeze Cake Layers: Cut the cake in half horizontally, place layers on parchment-lined sheet pan, and freeze for at least 30 minutes to firm up for easier assembly.
- Make Frosting: Beat softened cream cheese and butter in a large bowl until just combined, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar gradually and beat on low speed, adding milk or heavy cream as needed to achieve stiff peak consistency. Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Fill Pastry Bag: Transfer frosting to a large piping bag fitted with a large round tip for decorating.
- Assemble Cake: Place first cake layer on serving plate and pipe dollops of frosting evenly over the surface, holding the piping bag upright to create stiff peaks.
- Add Top Layer: Gently place the next cake layer on top, avoiding getting crumbs on the exposed frosting.
- Pipe Top Frosting Layer: Repeat piping dollops of frosting over the top surface.
- Decorate: Just before serving, adorn the cake with fresh berries, candies, macarons, cookies, chocolate pieces, marshmallows, edible flowers, and fresh herbs for a trendy and festive look.
Notes
- Room temperature ingredients help achieve a smooth batter and frosting.
- Do not overmix cake batter to maintain a tender crumb.
- Freezing cake layers before assembly makes it easier to pipe frosting and handle the cake without breaking.
- Use high-quality cream cheese and butter for the best flavor in frosting.
- Customize decoration to suit the occasion and personal taste.
- Ensure fresh flowers used are edible and pesticide-free.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/16 of cake)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 34 g
- Sodium: 190 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: number cake, cream cheese frosting, celebration cake, birthday cake, fruit decorated cake, layered cake, buttercream, vanilla cake
