This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see our privacy policy.
When a celebration cake is in order, and this 6-Layer Ombre Cake with Truffle-Fudge Icing definitely fits the bill!
I needed celebration cake and it had to be fun, festive and quite fabulous. We're not only celebrating The Cafe's move to it's new home (web site), but today is our three-year anniversary! Yes, it was three years ago that we began this crazy adventure called The Café Sucré Farine; an unusual name, French in origin, with a fun story behind it. This 6-Layer Ombre Cake with Truffle-Fudge Icing was the perfect way to celebrate!
I had a dream for many years of opening up a small cooking school. I've been crazy about all areas of food preparation for as long as I can remember and had been reading food blogs for several years. I thought it might be a good way to stick my toe into the culinary world.
My dear husband, Scott, with a background in photography, offered to capture the images ........... easy peasy, right? Little did we know that blogging would be an endeavor that would be unbelievably challenging, extremely exhausting and super fun, all at the same time.
In the beginning, I didn't know a url from a html from SEO, but I bought the book Blogging for Dummies and "so it began". We learned quickly that there was a whole new language to learn, lots of technology to harness and so much more. Though Scott was quite skilled in photography, taking pictures of food was a "horse of a different color".
Three years later, we're still learning the language, harnessing the technology, acquiring new photography, culinary and social networking skills as we go, and so much more. There have been tears (lots of them), prayers (even more) and laughs (many) as we've traversed through these past three years.
And the cooking school? It's funny, but I realized about a year and a half in, that my true joy and passion is being in the kitchen, tinkering, testing and creating and then sharing the results with you, hopefully making your meals more fun, interesting and delicious!
Oh and speaking of you, YOU have been one of my very favorite parts of blogging. I've enjoyed getting to know people from all around the world and love hearing from you in comments, emails; even meeting a number of you in person! Without you, it wouldn't be worth the time, energy and commitment. Get this: I'm still in my jammies at 1:30 in the afternoon, after a morning of cooking, creating, styling and photo shooting!
So you see, it's a day to celebrate; our new home/web site (Thanks Shay & Julie!), a three-year Café anniversary and YOU! This 6-Layer Ombre Cake with Truffle-Fudge Icing is perfect; though it would brighten up even the most dreary uncelebratory day. I used one of my favorite cake recipes and changed it up a bit. I wanted something unique and fun.
After a bit of experimenting, I came up with this ombré cake. If you're not familiar with ombré, it just means layers of color. I chose the simple, natural color of the yellow cake for one of my layers, then added a bit of cocoa for another color and then a deep chocolate hue was achieved by adding more cocoa.
I used my favorite technique for icing. Some of my friends think I'm spoofing, (because I cook so much) but I'm horrible at frosting a cake. Give me a bowl of icing and a knife and I usually come up with a pitiful looking mess. This pretty ribbon-like technique is, to me, like magic; you just start swirling and twirling in a random fashion and next thing you know, you've got a whimsically lovely cake sitting in front of you.
Try it! I promise I won't tell anyone your secret, that it's really quite an elementary piping technique. You do need a pastry bag and a large decorating tip, either a 1M or a 2D (both made by Wilton). To prevent a huge mess, I like to use a simple technique I learned from my friend Claire in this post. Check out how she makes it so easy to use a pastry bag. I love learning tricks like this one.
I need to run and get a shower before my husband disowns me, so I"ll sign off for now. I hope you like our new site. I know you'll love this fabulous 6-Layer Ombre Cake with Truffle-Fudge Icing! Yum!
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups butter at room temperature
- 2 ½ cups sugar
- 6 large eggs at room temperature
- ¾ cup buttermilk (plus 3 tablespoons needed for cocoa layer)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the layers:
- 6 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk
- Truffle Fudge Icing recipe below
-
Preheat oven to 350˚F. Spray 3-8-inch or 2-9-inch pans with baking spray* and line with parchment paper. Spray parchment paper lightly and spread to coat with a paper towel. Set aside.
-
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and stir to combine. Set aside. Set out four medium-size bowls. You will use these later after batter is made.
-
Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
-
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
-
Add flour mixture alternatively with the ¾ cup buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour. Stop the mixer and scrape the bowl several times in between. Add vanilla and mix well.
-
Divide batter as evenly as possible between 3 bowls, about 2 ½ cups in each bowl. Add 6 tablespoons of sifted cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons buttermilk to one bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1 tablespoon buttermilk to second bowl. Third bowl will not have any extra ingredients added.
-
Place half of the plain batter in two of the prepared pans. Place half of one of the cocoa batters in third prepared pan. Cover the remaining batter lightly and set aside in a cool place. (The counter is fine if it's not super warm in your kitchen. If it's a really warm day, place the batter in the refrigerator.)
-
Bake first three cakes at 350 for 14-16 minutes or until surface springs back when lightly touched and/or a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Cool on cooling rack for 5 minutes, then turn cakes out onto rack to finish cooling. Wash and dry cake pans and repeat pan preparation and baking instructions for remaining three layers.
-
Transfer 2 cups of the icing to a medium size bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of milk and stir well to combine. This will be the crumb coat for the cake which will help your icing to adhere well. It also prevents any bare cake from peeking through the icing.
-
To assemble cake, place a small dab of icing in the center of a platter or cake stand. (This will help secure your cake. Set a yellow cake layer on the platter and top with ⅓ cup of the thinned icing. Spread to edges. Add a light cocoa-colored layer next and repeat with icing then the dark cocoa cake layer and another ⅓ cups of icing. Repeat sequence to result in 6-layer cake. Spread the remaining icing over the entire cake in a very thin layer. It's fine if there are crumbs in the icing. Set cake in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to set the crumb coat.
-
For the icing technique, place about ⅓ of the remaining icing in a pastry bag fitted with a 1M tip. (you could also use a 2D tip). (Don't try to put more than ⅓ of the icing in the bag at a time or it will get too warm from the heat of your hands and will not swirl nicely.) With tip perpendicular to the cake begin swirling the icing in a random pattern (see how-to pictures). I usually start at a bottom edge and work my way to the top, then over the top edge, twirly and swirling as I go. Then I begin again at the bottom right next to where I started the last time, and work my way up. Continue working around the cake till you come back to where you started. If you missed any spots you can go back and add a little swirl here and there. Allow icing to set for 20-30 minutes before slicing. This recipe makes a large cake, but it freezes well.
- 12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
- 4 ounces baking chocolate
- 12 ounces butter room temperature
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 2- pound bag powdered sugar about 71/2 cups
- 10 tablespoons milk plus more for thinning
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
-
Combine chocolate chips and baking chocolate in a medium size microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir and return to microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between, until chocolate is melted and smooth. This will take about 2-2 ½ minutes. Set aside to cool.
-
In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine butter and cream cheese. Beat for 1 minute until smooth. Add cooled chocolate mixture and beat until incorporated.
-
With mixer on low speed, add powdered sugar and ½ cup milk. Beat until smooth, adding more milk, as needed to achieve smooth, fluffy consistency. Beat on medium-high speed for 4 minutes. If spreading icing with a knife, you'll want a fairly loose consistency. Piping requires a somewhat stiffer consistency. You made need to add a bit more milk or powdered sugar to get it just right. If you're doing the swirly piping, try a small amount in your pastry bag to see if it is "right". It should flow easily out of the bag but create distinct swirly patterns when you pipe. You don't want it to be so loose that the pattern "wilts" or so stiff that you have to use a lot of pressure.
Alex says
WOW! So finger-licking-licious!
And keep up your passion - which inspires us all. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, you're so kind Alex!
John@Kitchen Riffs says
Three years? Congrats! You've created one of the better blogs in the interwebs, IMO. The new site looks great, and this cake looks even better! Good stuff -- thanks.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much John, that means a lot. I'd love to share a piece of cake with you and Mrs.Kitchen Rifts if you lived a bit closer.
easyfoodsmith says
CONGRATULATIONS!! The double celebrations certainly called for that special cake. It looks absolutely beautiful and sinfully delicious! You so rightly put it...Blogging certainly is time consuming, challenging, exhausting and fun. I too realised that in my three years of blogging. We happen to share the same day to celebrate it 😀
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, I love that we share the same anniversary!
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Congratulations on three wonderful years of blogging. I had to laugh about Blogging for Dummies, I bought Blogging for Idiots when I was thinking of starting my blog. 🙂 I can't understand why you think you are terrible frosting a cake, I think each and everyone of the cakes you have shared with us has been a work of art.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Karen! You just haven't seen me with a bowl of frosting and a knife. Scott will affirm this; not so pretty! 🙂
Anne Stancil says
Chris and Scott, absolutely amazing what you've done with your blog! I know it's a joy and passion for you both and how cool it is that you two have such complimentary gifts - and the results speak for themselves. I wish you the best as you move forward - and I keep passing your blog info on to my friends far and wide! Glad you make instructions so easy to follow. Hope my results will look and taste like yours! I'll let you know. Your 3rd anniversary cake is awe-inspiring!
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, how fun to see your comment here Anne! Thanks so much, your sweet words mean a lot!
Elizabeth says
What a beautiful cake! And great tip for icing it! I have enjoyed your emails and recipes for quite a while, happy birthday! I love the story of how you arrived at your name!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Elizabeth, I love hearing from people like you!
Debra says
Gorgeous! I kept scrolling down thinking, "Show me the inside!" You did not disappoint. Love it and happy blog-o-versary.
Chris Scheuer says
I'm always worried when I cut a cake to see what the inside will look like, sometimes it's not so pretty but I have to admit I squealed a little when Scott cut it (I can't cut straight if my life depended on it) and I spied the interior>
Denise says
LOL! I thought the same thing. I was like, quit teasing us here. The tease was well worth it! 😉
Happier Than A Pig In Mud says
Congrats on three years Chris! Your cake looks beautiful:@)
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Lynn, it's a really fun cake which is what I wanted for this celebration 🙂
Paula – bell’alimento says
Ok, I am drooling all over my screen! This looks amazing!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Paula, I'm going to save a piece in the freezer for you!
Angie (@angiesrecipess) says
This is just decadent! And the frosting looks so beautiful, Chris.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Angie!
Cathleen says
Looks decadent! Love the fifth shot.
monique says
The cake is Fabulous and festive and froufrou:-)
Pinning..I have to try that frosting technique..now that you showed me the roses:-)
I still don't know HTML and what the heck is SEO?:-)
Congratulations on everything coming up roses...well flowers:-) ..3 yes..and thanks for everything!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Monique, you're the best!
Maureen | Orgasmic Chef says
Congratulations all around! I would give my right arm for a piece of that cake. Maybe my left. I'm right-handed. 🙂
Chris Scheuer says
If only we lived closer Maureen. Neighbors would be even better. Then again, I have a feeling we'd get quite fluffy with lots of "you have to try this" and "I saved this for you" and "this is the best" and on and on. We probably wouldn't get much done either as we'd be chit-chatting continually!
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
3 years! You have really outdone yourself and your new site is wonderful. I think the photos even got better, which I did not think was possible. Congratulations to you both.
Now, I have to check out the tutorial because my decorating skills certainly need help.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you friend, do try the technique. Scott's been trying to talk me into doing some tutorials. If I ever get the courage, this would probably be one of the first 🙂
Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon says
I know you are so busy, but I would love any tutorial you could manage. I am researching pastry tips. The ones I have are for cookies. I really need some larger ones. Also, any preferred pastry bag? Brand? size?
Chris Scheuer says
I love the Wilton 1M and 2D. Just buy them at Michaels or AC Moore (really cheap) and make a batch of icing and practice. After you use up all the icing, you can pile it back in the bag (with Claire's trick) and start all over again. At first it won't look real great but you'll start to get it after awhile. As far as pastry bags, I like have a large 18-inch and a smaller 10 or 12-inch, Using that trick with the saran wrap that Claire shows on that link has saved a lot of mess. It works just great. It also saves money as you don't need the disposable bags. I think most of my stuff is Wilton but there are also other great brands.
Mary Hirsch says
You set the bar pretty high, Scott and Chris. I really am quite impressed with your new site. It's so easy to navigate and understand. Very clean. This cake and your photography are a perfect send-off. I had never heard of an ombré cake before. Today I saw two! Your frosting technique is probably not something I can aspire to doing but I will read Claire's instructions and maybe, just maybe, give it a go. Again, lovely. Just lovely.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Mary. If I can do the frosting, so can you. I promise, I am not a cake decorating guru, that's for sure 🙂
Jodee Weiland says
This cake looks wonderful! Congratulations on three years! You have a great blog! This cake looks so delicious and so beautiful! Love it!
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Jodee, I've really enjoyed you and your blog as well!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Congratulations on your 3rd blogiversary and new home, Chris and Scott! The site is lovely. Chris, your chocolate and yellow ombré layer cake looks moist and delicious! The piped ruffles look beautiful and as if you spent hours decorating it. (Love those easy piping techniques!) Thank you for sharing your story. Wishing you both a boatload of blessings as you move forward in your journey with the Café ! xo
Chris Scheuer says
Stacy, you're always so encouraging, thanks! I'm do glad I've gotten to meet you and your wonderful blog!
Patti says
Congratulations on your 3 year anniversary and on your new home. I love your blog. Your recipes are delicious and beautiful. I have pinned many of them.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Patti, I really appreciate your kind words 🙂
Denise Browning@From Brazil To You says
Congrats on the third bloganniversary of your wonderful Café. Wishing it many happy returns!!!! The cake looks decadent and pretty. You are the piping lady!!! I love its new design as well!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Denise. We're still trying to find our way around but we're learning every day!
Cathy E says
Congratulations! This cake looks luciously yummy!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks much Cathy!
Linda Hunt says
Chris, you outdid youself on the Ombre Cake. I was surprised to see different layers and love it. Cannot wait to make it next weekend. We're excite about Emery's very first birthday party. What a little doll that we all love so much. Hope your make her birthday cake. look forward to seeing you.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Linda! hope you enjoy it as much as we did. So looking forward to seeing you too!
Sandra says
Congrats on your new blog home and your three year anniversary! Your cake decorating skills are right on point and this cake is nothing short of amazing. I look forward to trying it and to many more delicious visits here.
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Sandra. You're one of friends I was talking about. You think I'm a good cake decorator - I'm okay with a pastry bag and a 1M or 2D tip, otherwise not so great but I love your confidence in me 🙂
Darcy says
Looks delicious!! I"m thinking I'd add peanut butter to the gold layer....mmmmm!! Thanks for always sharing the yummiest stuff!
Chris Scheuer says
Oh what a great idea, why didn't I think of that? 🙂
Linda says
Hi Chris,
Congratulations on your 3rd anniversary of blogging!!!! Your cake looks gorgeous. I love your recipes and you have really inspired me. I can always count on your recipes to be delicious even when I make them for company first. Thanks again, Linda
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much Linda, I really appreciate hearing from people like you 🙂
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Chris this is such a beautiful cake! I love the way you've decorated it too. Glad you like the icing trick. It's a goodie isn't it?
Happy Blogoversary!
I'm only phone so can't see the full new design but love the colours x
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you Claire, and thanks for teaching me that great trick. Hope you are doing well!
Donna Vaughn says
I can't wait to try this cake! It looks so pretty and I'm sure it's delicious!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Donna, we ate a piece for lunch today 🙂