Watermelon Cake Recipe 🍉🎂
This Watermelon Cake is a summer delight that combines the creativity of a watermelon-inspired design with the deliciousness of a fluffy sponge cake and whipped cream. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or warm-weather celebrations, it’s both visually stunning and refreshingly light.
🟣 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup whole milk
- Red food coloring (optional)
For the Watermelon “Frosting”:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Green food coloring (optional, for the “rind”)
For Decoration:
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips (for “seeds”)
- 1 cup fresh kiwi, peeled and sliced (for the “green rind”)
- Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
🟪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans, or use one 9-inch round pan for a taller cake.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until smooth.
- For a red “watermelon” effect, add a few drops of red food coloring to the batter and mix until the desired shade is achieved.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Whipped Cream Frosting
- In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Divide the whipped cream into two parts. Leave one part plain and add green food coloring to the other for the “rind.”
Step 3: Assemble the Watermelon Cake
- Once the cakes are cool, slice the tall cake into two layers if you used a single pan, or stack the two cakes if using two pans.
- Spread a layer of plain whipped cream frosting on the top of the first cake layer.
- Place the second layer of cake on top, then cover the entire cake with the remaining plain whipped cream.
- Use the green-tinted whipped cream to frost the sides of the cake, leaving the top plain red for a watermelon-like appearance.
Step 4: Decorate the Cake
- Sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the top of the cake to mimic watermelon seeds.
- Arrange fresh kiwi slices around the bottom edge of the cake to enhance the look of a watermelon rind.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and refreshing aroma.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set and the flavors to meld.
- Slice and serve this fun, fruity dessert to delight your guests!
🌟 Tips for Success
- Even Baking: Use cake strips or bake the layers separately for evenly baked cakes.
- Chill Your Tools: Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before making the whipped cream for better results.
- Color Adjustment: Add food coloring sparingly to achieve your desired shades of red and green.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other fruit for decoration?
A: Absolutely! Thinly sliced cucumbers, lime wedges, or green grapes could work well for the rind, and blueberries can mimic seeds.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the cake layers and frosting the day before. Assemble and decorate the cake the same day for the freshest look and taste.
Q: What can I use instead of kiwi?
A: You can use thinly sliced green apples, cucumbers, or even extra green-tinted frosting to create the rind effect.
📌 Details and Variations
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Bake Time: 25–30 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 10–12 slices
This Watermelon Cake is a playful and refreshing way to celebrate summer, combining the sweet flavors of cake with a creative twist. It’s the perfect dessert to wow your guests!
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