Leo Cake: A Lion-Inspired Birthday Cake
A soft and buttery vanilla layer cake covered in creamy golden buttercream and decorated with a simple lion-inspired Leo design. Perfect for birthdays, astrology lovers, and zodiac-themed celebrations.
Servings: 12 Slices
Calories: 520kcal
Ingredients
- For the Cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup whole milk
- For the Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 –4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Yellow or golden food coloring as needed
- For Decorating
- Gold sprinkles or edible gold accents
- Orange or caramel buttercream
- Brown or black buttercream
- Edible stars optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
- Whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla.
- Add the dry ingredients alternately with the milk, mixing just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.
- 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, then transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the vanilla.
- Add the cream or milk gradually until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency. Beat until fluffy.
- Tint the main portion of buttercream golden yellow. Reserve smaller portions for the lion's mane and facial details.
- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread buttercream over the top.
- Add the second cake layer and apply a thin crumb coat. Chill for about 15 minutes.
- Cover the cake with the remaining golden buttercream and smooth the sides.
- Pipe a lion face and mane onto the cake using the colored buttercream, or decorate with a Leo zodiac symbol, stars, and gold accents.
- Chill briefly to set the decoration before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the cake layers are completely cool before frosting.
- Don't overmix the batter or the cake can become dense.
- Use a crumb coat for a cleaner final finish.
- Keep the lion design as the focal point for a polished look.
- Gold sprinkles or edible gold accents can add a beautiful finishing touch.
Nutrition
- Calories: ~520 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~72 g
- Protein: ~6 g
- Fat: ~25 g
- Saturated Fat: ~15 g
- Cholesterol: ~105 mg
- Sodium: ~250 mg
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Sugar: ~53 g