Hey there, fellow dessert enthusiasts! Today, I have a special treat in store for you. We're going to embark on an icy adventure with the adorable and delicious Penguin Cake Gems. These little cuties are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a birthday party, a winter-themed event, or simply a fun afternoon baking project. So, grab your apron and let's dive into the world of penguin-inspired sweetness!
Ingredients:
To create these irresistible Penguin Cake Gems, you'll need:
For the cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup whole milk
For the frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Black food coloring gel
- Orange food coloring gel
Decoration:
- Candy eyes
- Mini chocolate chips
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Cake Batter
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 2: Baking and Cooling
1. Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
2. Bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
3. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Step 3: Frosting and Assembling
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Divide the frosting into two bowls. In one bowl, add black food coloring gel until the desired shade of gray is achieved. In the other bowl, add orange food coloring gel for the penguin beaks.
4. Using a small round cookie cutter, cut out cake rounds from the cooled cake.
5. Take one cake round and spread a thin layer of gray frosting on top. Place another cake round on top to create a sandwich. Repeat with the remaining cake rounds.
6. Frost the top and sides of each cake sandwich with the gray frosting, ensuring a smooth and even layer.
7. Attach candy eyes to the front of each cake gem and use a small piping bag or ziplock bag with the corner snipped off to pipe orange frosting beaks beneath the eyes.
8. Gently press mini chocolate chips into the gray frosting to create the penguins' bodies.
Step 4: Enjoyment Time!
1. Place the finished Penguin Cake Gems on a serving platter or individual dessert plates.
2. Serve these delightful treats at your party or enjoy them with a cup of hot cocoa for a cozy winter evening.
Congratulations! You've successfully ventured into the world of Penguin Cake Gems. These delightful little creatures are sure to bring a smile to everyone's face. Don't forget to take some photos before indul
ging in these cute and scrumptious treats. Remember, the joy of baking lies not only in the final result but also in the journey itself. So, embrace your creativity, have fun, and let these Penguin Cake Gems steal the show at your next dessert extravaganza!