Theme: Romantic & Dreamy • Flavors: Strawberry Vanilla + Rosewater Buttercream

A whimsical cake inspired by floating love and florals, perfect for weddings, baby showers, or fairytale birthdays.

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🍓✨ Cake Layers (3 Tiers)

Ingredients:

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour

• 2½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1¾ cups granulated sugar

• 4 large eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

• ¾ cup fresh strawberry purée

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three cake pans.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

3. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well. Stir in vanilla extract.

5. Mix milk and strawberry purée together.

6. Alternate adding dry ingredients and strawberry milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with flour.

7. Divide batter evenly and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool completely.

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🌹 Rosewater Buttercream

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

• 2–3 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tsp rosewater (food grade)

• Optional: Pink/blush food coloring

Instructions:

1. Beat butter until pale and fluffy.

2. Gradually add powdered sugar, whipping well.

3. Add heavy cream and rosewater. Mix until silky.

4. Tint light pink if desired.

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🎂 Assembly & Decoration

Step 1: Stack & Frost

• Level cake layers and stack with rosewater buttercream between each.

• Apply a crumb coat, chill for 15–20 minutes.

• Frost smoothly and chill again.

Step 2: Create the Balloon

• Sculpt a hot air balloon dome from fondant or rice paper.

• Hand-paint with delicate florals or use edible printed designs.

• Mount on food-safe dowels/skewers and insert into the top center of the cake.

Step 3: Form the Basket

• Use textured fondant to create a basket.

• Attach with royal icing beneath the balloon dome.

Step 4: Decorate with Elegance

• Sugar Flowers: Arrange roses, peonies, and cherry blossoms to cascade down one side.

• Add edible pearls and touches of gold leaf for luxury.

• Base tier can be decorated with soft buttercream clouds or painted fondant for a sky-like effect.

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✨ Tips:

• Strawberry Purée Tip: Blend fresh strawberries and strain for a smooth purée.

• Floral Look: Use soft pastels and dust sugar flowers with pearl dust for a romantic finish.

• Storage: Refrigerate the cake, but allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 mins before serving.