• These gorgeous vanilla and rose mini cakes are perfect for any elegant occasion. Infused with the sweet aroma of vanilla and a hint of rose essence, these dainty treats offer a soft, moist crumb that melts in your mouth.

    Ideal for tea parties, bridal showers, or simply treating yourself, these mini cakes are a delightful way to enjoy a classic flavour combination with a floral twist.

    Vanilla and rose mini cakes

    Serves: 4 mini cakes
    Cooking Time: : 1 hour 30 minutes

    Ingredients

    • Sponge

    • 250g butter
    • 250g castor sugar
    • 5ml (1 tsp) vanilla extract
    • 4 extra-large eggs
    • 250g cake flour
    • 7ml baking powder
    • pinch of salt
    • 60ml (¼ cup) milk
    • Icing

    • 125g butter
    • 500g icing sugar, sifted
    • few drops rose essence
    • few drops pale pink gel colouring
    • fresh flowers or berries lightly sprayed with edible gold paint, to serve

    Instructions

    1

    Preheat the oven to 160°C. Line and grease the base of 2 x 22cm round cake tins.

    2

    For the sponge, cream the butter and castor sugar together until pale and fluffy.

    3

    Add the vanilla and then the eggs, one at a time, beating continuously.

    4

    Fold in the sifted dry ingredients and the milk. Pour into the prepared tins and bake in the preheated oven, 45 minutes. The cakes should be lightly golden and cooked through when tested with a skewer. Remove the cakes from the oven and set aside to cool.

    5

    For the icing, cream the butter and add the icing sugar, gradually, while beating. Fold in the rose essence and colouring.

    6

    To assemble, use a 6cm round cutter to cut out mini cakes from the sponge. Sandwich them together with icing and ice the tops. Garnish with the fresh, spray-painted flowers or berries.

    ALSO SEE: Zesty lemon and lime syrup cakes

    Zesty lemon and lime syrup cakes

    Recipe and styling by Sarah Dall

    Photography by Dawie Verwey