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Decadent Leo Constellation Chocolate Cake Recipe with Gold Detail

Leo constellation chocolate cake - featured image
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A rich, moist chocolate cake decorated with edible gold constellation details, perfect for astrology lovers and special celebrations. This cake combines deep cocoa flavor with a luxurious gold shimmer for a stunning cosmic effect.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 3/4 cups (350 g) granulated sugar (organic cane sugar preferred)
  • 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk (or dairy-free milk as needed)
  • 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (225 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3 1/2 cups (420 g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/3 cup (35 g) cocoa powder (for frosting)
  • 3–4 tbsp (45–60 ml) heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)
  • Edible gold paint or luster dust mixed with clear alcohol (vodka or lemon extract)
  • Fine food-safe paintbrush

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment paper.
  2. Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Using a mixer, beat softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add sifted dry ingredients and milk to the batter, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Stir in espresso powder if using.
  6. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  7. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto cooling racks and cool completely (at least 1 hour).
  8. For frosting, beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and cocoa powder, beating well.
  9. Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt, then beat until fluffy. Adjust cream to achieve desired consistency.
  10. Level cake layers if needed. Spread a thick layer of frosting on the first layer, top with second layer.
  11. Apply a thin crumb coat over the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
  12. Apply a smooth final layer of frosting. Lightly sketch the Leo constellation pattern on top with a pencil.
  13. Carefully paint stars and connecting lines with edible gold paint using a fine brush. Let dry before serving.

Notes

Use a light hand when painting edible gold to avoid clumps. Sketch the constellation lightly before painting. Let each painted section dry before adding more layers. Avoid overmixing batter after adding flour to keep crumb tender. Chill frosting if too soft or add cream if too stiff. Cake layers can be baked up to 2 days ahead and stored wrapped in the fridge. Cake freezes well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate cake, Leo constellation cake, edible gold cake, astrology cake, birthday cake, chocolate dessert, cosmic cake, gold detail cake

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/decadent-leo-constellation-chocolate-cake-recipe-with-gold-detail-tutorial/