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Perfect Leo Zodiac Sunflower Cake with Gold Buttercream Frosting

Leo Zodiac Sunflower Cake - featured image
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A moist and subtly nutty sunflower seed cake topped with silky gold buttercream frosting, perfect for Leo celebrations or any special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 ¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk, room temperature (dairy-free milk works too)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (70 g) sunflower seeds, lightly toasted
  • 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 3–4 tbsp (45–60 ml) whole milk or heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 tsp edible gold dust
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
  2. Toast the sunflower seeds on a baking sheet in the oven for about 5 minutes or until lightly golden and fragrant. Let cool.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, beating fully after each addition and scraping down the sides as needed.
  6. Mix in the vanilla extract briefly.
  7. Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk in three additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.
  8. Fold in the toasted sunflower seeds gently with a spatula.
  9. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until edges pull away slightly and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  11. Let cakes rest in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  12. For the frosting, beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy.
  13. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, and beat on high for about 3 minutes until fluffy.
  14. Stir in vanilla extract, salt, and edible gold dust until evenly tinted and shimmering.
  15. Assemble the cake by placing one layer on a serving plate, spreading a thick layer of gold buttercream on top, then adding the second layer.
  16. Frost the outside smoothly or pipe sunflower-inspired designs if desired.
  17. Chill the buttercream for 10 minutes if too soft before frosting. Use a sharp serrated knife for clean slices.

Notes

Toast sunflower seeds before adding for best flavor. Avoid overmixing batter to keep cake tender. Chill buttercream if too soft before frosting. Use a serrated knife for clean cake slices. Cake layers can be baked 1-2 days ahead and stored wrapped.

Nutrition

Keywords: sunflower cake, gold buttercream frosting, Leo zodiac cake, easy cake recipe, nutty cake, edible gold dust, celebration cake

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/perfect-leo-zodiac-sunflower-cake-recipe-with-gold-buttercream-frosting-easy-steps/