There’s something undeniably comforting about stepping into a Starbucks café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the cozy ambiance, and the tempting display of treats can make any day brighter. Among the many delectable offerings, one that stands out is the Starbucks cake. Whether it’s the classic coffee cake or the iconic birthday cake pop, these treats are hard to resist. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making a Starbucks-inspired cake at home, allowing you to bring a touch of your favorite coffee shop into your kitchen.
Starbucks cakes are known for their moist, flavorful sponge cake bases, decadent frosting, and delightful decorations. These cakes come in various flavors and styles, ranging from the timeless vanilla and chocolate to seasonal favorites like pumpkin spice or peppermint mocha. Today, we’ll be making a classic Starbucks-style vanilla sponge cake with buttercream frosting and coffee-flavored accents.
Ingredients: For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
For the Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules (for the coffee flavor)
For Decoration:
- Starbucks-themed decorations (optional)
- Chocolate shavings
- Sprinkles
How to Make It Step by Step:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
Step 2: Bake the Cakes
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and instant coffee granules. Beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy. Adjust the consistency with more cream if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
- Place one of the cooled cake layers on a serving plate.
- Spread a layer of buttercream frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting to create a crumb coat.
- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.
- Once chilled, frost the cake with a thick layer of buttercream, smoothing the sides and top.
Step 5: Decorate Your Starbucks Cake
- Add Starbucks-themed decorations if you have them, or get creative with chocolate shavings, sprinkles, or your favorite edible decorations.
- To create a coffee-inspired look, you can sprinkle cocoa powder or crushed coffee beans on top.
Making a Starbucks-inspired cake at home is not only a delightful culinary experience but also a wonderful way to satisfy your coffee shop cravings without leaving your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this homemade Starbucks cake is sure to impress. Customize it with your favorite Starbucks flavors and decorations to create a cake that’s uniquely yours. Enjoy every bite, and savor the taste of your favorite café in the comfort of your home.