Sakura or Cherry Blossom Cake is a delicate and beautiful Japanese-inspired cake that features flavors and decorations reminiscent of cherry blossoms, which are a beloved symbol of spring in Japan. Here's a simple recipe for making Sakura Cake:

Ingredients for the Cake:

  1. 2 cups all-purpose flour
  2. 2 teaspoons baking powder
  3. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  4. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  5. 1 and 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  6. 4 large eggs
  7. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  8. 1/2 cup whole milk
  9. 1/4 cup cherry blossom syrup (you can purchase this online or at a Japanese grocery store)

Ingredients for the Cherry Blossom Frosting:

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  2. 4 cups powdered sugar
  3. 1/4 cup whole milk
  4. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  5. 1/4 cup cherry blossom syrup

Ingredients for Decoration:

  1. Fresh or dried cherry blossoms (make sure they are food-safe and suitable for consumption)
  2. Pink food coloring (optional)
  3. Edible gold leaf (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  4. In a different huge blending bowl, cream the margarine and sugar together until light and cushioned utilizing an electric blender.
  5. Add the eggs each in turn, blending great after every option. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  7. Stir in the cherry blossom syrup until the batter is smooth and well incorporated.
  9. Partition the hitter uniformly between the pre-arranged cake skillet and smooth the tops with a spatula.
  10. Prepare in the preheated stove for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick embedded into the focal point of the cakes confesses all.
  11. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Cherry Blossom Frosting:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter until soft and creamy using an electric mixer.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and cherry blossom syrup, and mix on low speed until combined, then increase the speed to medium-high and continue to beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring to the frosting to achieve a light pink color that resembles cherry blossoms.

Assembly:

  1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, trim the tops to level them if necessary.
  2. Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of cherry blossom frosting on top.
  3. Place the second cake layer on top and frost the entire cake with the remaining cherry blossom frosting, using a spatula or a piping bag for a smooth finish.
  4. Decorate the cake with fresh or dried cherry blossoms, and if desired, add edible gold leaf for an extra touch of elegance.
  5. Cool the cake in the fridge for somewhere around 30 minutes to permit the frosting to set prior to serving.
Enjoy your Sakura or Cherry Blossom Cake, a delightful and visually stunning dessert that captures the essence of spring with its delicate flavors and beautiful decorations!