If you’re looking for a fail-proof white cake recipe that’s perfect for special occasions like weddings, then you’re in for a treat with the White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake. This delightful creation is a blend of convenience and homemade goodness, starting with a simple white cake mix as its base. Don’t be fooled by the mix; a few added ingredients elevate this cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The WASC cake is renowned for its tender and moist texture, making it an ideal choice for crafting elegant white wedding cakes. The acronym “WASC” stands for White Almond Sour Cream, a recipe that has been cherished and modified over the years by baking enthusiasts. Originally discovered on Cake Central, this recipe’s secret lies in the perfect balance of ingredients that mimic the complexity of a scratch-made cake without the hassle. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned baker, mastering this recipe is a rewarding journey that guarantees a delectable outcome every time.
Ingredients
Creating a WASC cake involves two key components: the cake base and the almond buttercream frosting.
WASC Cake Base
Ingredients:
- White boxed cake mix
- Sour cream
- Almond extract
- Eggs
- Vegetable oil
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Salt
- Water
Almond Buttercream Frosting
- Unsalted butter
- Powdered sugar
- Salt
- Almond extract
- Vanilla extract
- Heavy cream
Equipment Needed
To prepare a delectable White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake, you will need some essential equipment to ensure the baking process goes smoothly.
Mixing Bowls
I recommend using at least two medium-sized mixing bowls to combine the dry and wet ingredients separately before blending them together. This helps achieve a uniform texture in the batter.
Electric Mixer
An electric mixer, either a handheld or stand mixer, is indispensable for efficiently creaming the butter and sugar and achieving a light and fluffy cake batter.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Accurate measurements are crucial in baking. Make sure you have a set of measuring cups and spoons to precisely measure the ingredients for the cake and frosting.
Cake Pans
For baking the WASC cake layers, you will need three 7-inch or 8-inch round cake pans. Ensure they are properly greased and lined to prevent sticking.
Cooling Rack
Having a cooling rack is essential for properly cooling the baked cake layers. This helps prevent sogginess and ensures even cooling.
Serrated Knife
A serrated knife is recommended for leveling the cake layers and removing any caramelization for a pristine presentation when slicing the cake.
Piping Bags and Tips (Optional)
If you plan to decorate your WASC cake with almond buttercream frosting or other decorations, having piping bags and tips handy will help you achieve beautiful designs.
Gathering these essential tools will set you up for success in creating a delicious and visually appealing White Almond Sour Cream cake.
Preparation
Before diving into making the delicious White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake, it’s essential to prepare your tools and ingredients properly. Let’s get started with prepping the cake pans and pre-measuring the ingredients!
Preparing the Cake Pans
First things first, preheat your oven to 335 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab your favorite nonstick cooking spray and line your cake pans with parchment paper circles for easy removal later on.
Pre-Measuring Ingredients
Gather all your ingredients and pre-measure them for a smooth baking process. Having everything ready and measured out will make assembling the WASC cake a breeze.
Mixing the Cake Batter
To create the perfect White Almond Sour Cream cake batter, it’s essential to follow precise steps to ensure a tender and moist crumb. The following subheadings detail the process of mixing the dry and wet ingredients for a delightful baking experience.
Incorporating Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. These dry ingredients lay the foundation for the cake’s flavor and texture. Using the reverse creaming method, the butter is then added to coat the flour particles, resulting in a fine crumb structure. This technique minimizes gluten development and promotes a velvety texture in the cake.
Adding Wet Ingredients
After blending the dry ingredients, incorporate the softened butter to form a crumbly mixture. Next, add the milk, sour cream, melted butter, egg whites, and almond extract to the bowl. Using an electric hand mixer on low speed initially, combine the wet ingredients until smooth. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat the batter for a full 2 minutes to ensure proper aeration. This step is crucial for achieving an airy and moist White Almond Sour Cream cake.
Baking the Cake
Baking a WASC cake is an exciting part of the process, where the magic of turning simple ingredients into a delicious dessert happens. Follow these essential steps for perfect results.
Oven Temperature and Timing
Preheat your oven to 335 degrees F for the ideal baking temperature. Remember that baking times may vary depending on your pan size, so it’s crucial to test for doneness before taking the cakes out of the oven.
Testing for Doneness
To check if the cakes are ready, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake layers. If it comes out clean, the cakes are done baking. This step ensures that your WASC cakes are perfectly moist and ready to be assembled and enjoyed.
Making the Frosting
Let’s dive into the delicious process of making the perfect almond buttercream frosting for your White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake. Follow these steps to create a smooth and flavorful frosting that will beautifully complement your cake.
Creaming Butter and Sugar
- Begin by beating 2 cups of unsalted butter at medium speed until smooth. This step is crucial for creating a creamy base for your frosting.
- Gradually mix in 5 cups of powdered sugar on low speed. Adding sugar gradually helps in achieving a smooth consistency.
- Halfway through, pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk to aid in the mixing process.
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Once the mixture is smooth, add 2 teaspoons of almond extract, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt for flavor.
- Mix on the lowest speed setting for a couple of minutes to enhance the frosting’s texture.
- If desired, you can adjust the consistency of the frosting by adding more cream, 1 teaspoon at a time for a thinner texture, or quarter cups of powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
- Should you decide to color your buttercream frosting, incorporate gel food coloring once the frosting is fully mixed. Beat on low speed until the color is evenly distributed.
By following these steps meticulously, you’ll create a luscious almond buttercream frosting that will elevate your White Almond Sour Cream cake to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Assembling the Cake
Assembling the cake involves layering the cake and applying frosting to create a decadent dessert that will wow your guests. Follow these steps with precision to ensure a beautifully stacked and frosted masterpiece.
Layering the Cake
- Stack and frost the cake layers on a greaseproof cake board, using a dab of frosting to help stick the first cake layer to the board.
- Add an even layer of almond buttercream between each cake layer.
- Spread a thin coat of frosting around the cake to fully cover the layers. Use a bench scraper to smooth the frosting. Chill the cake in the fridge for 10 minutes or in the freezer for 5 minutes until the frosting is firm to the touch.
- Apply a second, thicker layer of frosting to the cake, smoothing it with a bench scraper. Then, proceed to decorate the cake as desired.
Applying Frosting
When applying the frosting, ensure it is at the right consistency for easy spreading. Adjust the thickness by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed. Use a spatula or piping bag to apply the frosting evenly, covering the cake completely. Remember that chilled cake layers and a crumb coat help in achieving a smooth final frosting layer.
Decorating Tips
Decorating a cake is one of the highlights of the baking process. It’s the moment where creativity meets deliciousness, turning a simple cake into a work of art. Below, I share some simple decoration ideas and advanced decorating techniques to help elevate your WASC cake to the next level.
Simple Decoration Ideas
- Buttercream Swirls: Pipe elegant swirls on the top of your cake using a piping bag fitted with a medium-sized round tip. Create a beautiful pattern by starting from the center and working your way outwards.
- Cherries and Almonds: Garnish your cake with fresh cherries and slivered almonds for a pop of color and texture. Simply place them strategically on the buttercream to add visual appeal.
- Smooth Finish: To achieve a professional look, use a bench scraper to smooth the sides of your cake. Hold the scraper at a slight angle against the cake and turn the turntable for a sleek finish.
- Piped Borders: Experiment with different piping tips to create intricate borders along the top and bottom edges of your cake. Practice piping techniques like shells, rosettes, or basketweave for a decorative touch.
- Fondant Accents: For a more polished look, consider adding fondant decorations. Roll out colored fondant and use various cutters to create shapes like flowers, leaves, or ribbons to adorn your cake.
- Painted Details: Explore painting edible details on your cake using food coloring mixed with a little clear alcohol. This technique allows you to add intricate designs or custom artwork to make your cake truly unique.
Storage and Serving
How to Store
After preparing your White Almond Sour Cream cake, you can store the cake layers wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight cake container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator. The cake layers can be stored this way for up to 3 days, ensuring they remain fresh and delicious for serving.
Best Practices for Serving
For the best serving experience, it’s recommended to enjoy your White Almond Sour Cream cake at room temperature. Remove the cake from the refrigerator about an hour before serving to bring out its full flavors and textures. By allowing the cake to come to room temperature, you will ensure a moist and delightful eating experience.
Conclusion
Incorporating White Almond Sour Cream (WASC) cake into your repertoire can elevate any special occasion. By mastering the foundational recipe and perfecting your baking techniques, you can create a delectable treat that impresses both visually and in taste. The almond buttercream frosting adds a layer of sophistication, and advanced decorating tips offer endless creative possibilities. Remember to store your masterpiece properly to maintain its freshness. Serving the WASC cake at the right temperature ensures a delightful culinary experience for you and your guests. With these insights and guidelines, you’re equipped to craft a stunning White Almond Sour Cream cake that delights the senses and leaves a lasting impression.