Description
This sunset cake is a visual masterpiece and a delightful dessert all in one. With soft vanilla layers and a citrus-kissed buttercream, it’s perfect for birthdays, garden parties, or any celebration that deserves a centerpiece. The stunning ombré of yellow, orange, and pink mimics the sky at golden hour—making it both delicious and Instagram-worthy. Easy enough for a home baker and impressive enough for a formal event, this cake brings a little magic to every bite.
Ingredients
Cake Layers:
2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
2 ½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
1 cup unsalted butter (room temp)
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
¼ cup vegetable oil
1 cup whole milk
Buttercream:
1 ½ cups unsalted butter (softened)
5–6 cups confectioners’ sugar
2–3 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 lemon
Gel food coloring: pink, orange, yellow
Decoration (Optional):
Edible gold leaf
Pressed flowers
Citrus slices or edible shimmer
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch cake pans.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla and oil.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients. Mix just until smooth.
- Divide batter into pans and bake 25–30 minutes. Cool completely before frosting.
- For buttercream: beat butter until pale, add sugar gradually, then mix in lemon zest, vanilla, and cream.
- Divide frosting into three bowls. Tint with gel coloring.
- Stack and frost cake with crumb coat. Chill. Then apply colored frosting in ombré layers.
- Smooth and swirl colors using a spatula. Decorate as desired.
Notes
For best results, use gel food coloring.
Always chill the cake between frosting layers for clean lines.
If you’re decorating with flowers, make sure they’re food-safe and pesticide-free.
Level your cake layers for a more polished final look.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/14 cake)
- Calories: 530