Woodland Moss Cake
Bring the outdoors into your kitchen with this stunning Moss Cake. This three-layered, nature-inspired dessert is not only a visual treat but also a delight to the taste buds. It features a moist and tender vanilla cake base with green food coloring to resemble moss, which is then coated with crumbled cake crumbs to mimic the texture. The layers are separated by velvety vanilla icing and a light chocolate layer to give the impression of dirt or mud. This delicious and unique cake is perfect for birthdays, garden parties, or any occasion that calls for a touch of whimsy.
Ingredients:
For the Vanilla Cake:
3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon (12g) baking powder
1 teaspoon (5g) salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
4 large eggs
1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
1 cup (240ml) boiling water
Green food coloring
For the Vanilla Icing:
2 cups (4 sticks, 452g) unsalted butter, softened
8 cups (960g) powdered sugar
½ cup (120ml) whole milk
2 teaspoons (10ml) pure vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
For the Light Chocolate Layer:
1 cup (175g) semisweet chocolate chips
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare three 9-inch (23cm) round cake pans by greasing and lightly flouring them.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Slowly add the boiling water to the batter, stirring gently. Divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans.
Add green food coloring to each pan until the desired moss green shade is achieved. Stir gently to combine.
Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cakes are cooling, prepare the vanilla icing. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat until the icing is smooth and fluffy.
For the light chocolate layer, heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat until it begins to steam. Remove from heat and pour over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute, then stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
To assemble the cake, place one layer of the cooled green cake on a serving plate. Spread a layer of vanilla icing on top, followed by a thin layer of the light chocolate mixture. Repeat this process for the remaining layers.
Ice the exterior of the cake after you’ve finished stacking the layers. Start with a light icing layer, then set the cake in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the icing rest. Then remove it from the fridge and ice it with the remainder of the vanilla icing.
Crumble the remaining green cake into fine crumbs. Coat the entire exterior of the assembled cake with the green cake crumbs onto the icing to create the moss-like texture.
Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the icing to set.
This enchanting Moss Cake is sure to be the star of any celebration. With its realistic moss texture and layers of sweet goodness, it is a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Enjoy the taste of the great outdoors with this nature-inspired dessert that is sure to impress and delight your guests.
Tips and Variations:
Customize your moss cake by adding edible flowers or fondant mushrooms for a more whimsical presentation.
To make the moss cake even more realistic, you can mix different shades of green food coloring in the cake crumbs to create a more natural and varied look.
For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips in the light chocolate layer.
If you prefer a lighter, airier cake, replace the whole milk in the cake batter with buttermilk and the vegetable oil with melted unsalted butter.
For a vegan alternative, use a non-dairy milk substitute, replace eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg), and use vegan butter and non-dairy heavy cream in the icing and chocolate layer.
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a weekend baking project, this Moss Cake is the perfect way to add a touch of magic and creativity to your dessert table. Not only does it offer a visually stunning presentation, but it's also packed with delicious flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds. So go ahead and channel your inner forest sprite as you craft this enchanting, edible masterpiece. Happy baking!
Organic Green Food Coloring Recipes
Spinach Powder:
Ingredients:
Fresh Spinach Leaves
Instructions: a. Preheat your oven to its lowest setting, typically around 170°F (75°C). b. Rinse the spinach leaves and pat them dry. c. Spread the spinach leaves evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. d. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and allow the spinach leaves to dry for 3-4 hours, checking periodically to ensure they don't burn. e. Once the spinach leaves are completely dried and brittle, remove them from the oven and let them cool. f. Use a blender or coffee grinder to grind the dried spinach leaves into a fine powder. g. Store the spinach powder in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To use the spinach powder as a green food coloring, simply mix a small amount into your cake batter until you achieve the desired shade of green.
Matcha Green Tea Powder:
Matcha green tea powder, made from ground green tea leaves, can add a beautiful, subtle green hue to your cake without altering its flavor significantly. You can find matcha green tea powder at specialty tea shops or online. Just add a small amount to your cake batter and mix until the desired color is achieved. Start with a little and gradually increase the amount until you reach the desired shade.
Spirulina Powder:
Spirulina is a blue-green algae that is often used as a natural food coloring. It has a mild flavor that is unlikely to disrupt the taste of your cake.
Instructions: a. Purchase spirulina powder from a health food store or online. b. Add a small amount of spirulina powder to your cake batter and mix well. Start with a small quantity and gradually increase until you achieve the desired shade of green.
With these natural green food coloring alternatives, you can create an organic and toxin-free Moss Cake that not only looks amazing but also has the added benefits of natural ingredients.