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Cornflower Cake with Blue Spirulina and Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 509 reviews

This delightful Cornflower Cake features a beautiful marbled blue and white batter tinted with natural blue spirulina powder and enriched with delicate dried cornflower petals. Baked to a moist, tender perfection, it’s topped with a creamy blue-tinged cream cheese frosting and garnished with vibrant cornflower petals for a stunning presentation perfect for tea time or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 2 cups / 240 g / 8.5 oz all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup / 200 g / 7 oz granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup dried cornflower petals
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 cup / 1 stick / 115 g / 4 oz salted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup / 60 ml / 2 fl oz vegetable oil
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp blue spirulina powder
  • 2 tbsp water

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 8 oz / 225 g cream cheese (block-style, full-fat), softened
  • 1/2 cup / 115 g / 4 oz salted butter, softened
  • 1 cup / 120 g / 4.2 oz powdered (confectioners’/icing) sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp blue spirulina powder (or blue food coloring)
  • 2 tbsp dried cornflower petals (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare for baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. Grease an 8 x 4 inch (20 cm x 10 cm) loaf pan, then line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
  2. Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, dried cornflower petals, and baking powder until evenly distributed.
  3. Mix liquid ingredients: In a separate large liquid mixing container, thoroughly combine the melted and slightly cooled butter, vegetable oil, eggs, whole milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
  4. Create batter: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet mixture. Gently whisk together until the batter is smooth with no lumps of dry flour remaining.
  5. Dissolve spirulina: In a small bowl, whisk blue spirulina powder with 2 tablespoons of water until completely dissolved to create a vibrant blue tint.
  6. Tint batter: Divide the cake batter evenly into two bowls. Stir the dissolved blue spirulina mixture into one bowl to color half the batter blue.
  7. Layer batter: Pour half a cup of white batter into the prepared loaf pan, then add half of the blue batter on top. Repeat layering with the remaining batters, finishing with a layer of blue. Use a fork or knife to gently swirl through the layers creating a marbled effect.
  8. Bake cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
  9. Cool cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, gently lift the cake out using the parchment paper edges and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Mix frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and blue spirulina powder, mixing until fully combined and evenly colored.
  11. Garnish cake: Spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cake using a small offset spatula. Sprinkle dried cornflower petals on top for a decorative, floral touch.
  12. Serve: Slice the cake and enjoy its moist texture and unique blue marbled appearance, complemented by the creamy and subtly blue frosting.

Notes

  • Ensure eggs and milk are at room temperature to avoid curdling and to promote even mixing.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese and butter for the richest frosting texture and taste.
  • Blue spirulina not only colors the batter but adds a mild earthy note—adjust quantity to your taste preference or substitute with blue food coloring if preferred.
  • The cornflower petals add a delicate floral flavor and aesthetic but are optional if unavailable.
  • Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting to prevent frosting from melting.
  • This cake can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: cornflower cake, blue spirulina cake, marbled cake, cream cheese frosting, floral cake, loaf cake, natural food coloring

Find it online: https://tastygenius.com/cornflower-cake-with-blue-spirulina-and-cream-cheese-frosting-recipe/