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Elegant multi-tiered quince cake adorned with intricate fondant details, delicate lace patterns, and edible sugar flowers in pastel blush, ivory, and gold accents, featuring a crown topper and subtle metallic embellishments in a festive, softly lit setting with floral arrangements.

Elegant Quince Cake

This stunning quince cake combines classic elegance with rich flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for a quinceañera celebration. Customize it with your preferred cake flavors, fillings, and decorative elements to match your event’s theme.
Prep Time 1 hour
Cook Time 45 minutes
2 hours
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Course Celebration Cakes
Cuisine American
Servings 35 slices
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • 3 Round Cake Pans Preferably 8-inch or 9-inch pans with 2-inch depth for uniform layers.
  • 1 Electric Mixer Stand or hand mixer for efficient batter and frosting preparation.
  • 1 Digital Kitchen Scale Ensures precise measurement of ingredients for consistent results.
  • 1 Sifter or Fine Mesh Sieve For aerating dry ingredients and removing lumps.
  • 1 Spinning Cake Stand Facilitates smooth frosting and decorating.
  • 1 Offset Spatula Assists in even spreading of frosting and creating smooth surfaces.
  • 1 Bench Scraper Essential for achieving sharp edges and smooth sides on the cake.
  • 1 set Piping Bags and Tips For adding decorative details with various frosting designs.
  • 1 pack Parchment Paper Rounds Prevents cakes from sticking to pans; ensures easy release.
  • 1 Serrated Cake Knife Ideal for leveling cake layers and slicing the finished cake.
  • 1 Rolling Pin Useful if working with fondant or creating decorative elements.
  • 1 Cake Leveler Ensures even layers for a professional appearance.
  • 1 Cooling Rack Allows cakes to cool evenly, preventing soggy bottoms.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurement of both dry and liquid ingredients.
  • 1 Pastry Brush Useful for applying syrups or glazes to cake layers.
  • 1 Turntable Non-slip Mat Keeps the cake board steady during decorating.
  • 1 Cake Boards Provides a sturdy base for assembling and transporting the cake.
  • 1 Apron Keeps clothing clean during the baking and decorating process.
  • 1 Oven Thermometer Ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
  • 1 Timer Helps track baking and cooling times accurately.

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour Sifted to ensure a smooth batter.
  • 2 1/2 tsp baking powder Helps the cake rise properly.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances overall flavor.
  • 1 cup unsalted butter Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
  • 2 cups granulated sugar Provides sweetness and structure.
  • 4 large eggs Also at room temperature; adds richness and stability.
  • 1 cup whole milk Room temperature; ensures a moist crumb.
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract Adds classic flavor; can substitute with almond extract if desired.
  • 1 cup quince puree Prepared by peeling, coring, and cooking fresh quince until soft, then pureeing. Adds unique flavor and moisture.
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Optional; adds texture and a nutty flavor.
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon Complements the quince flavor; adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
  • 1 cup cream cheese For the frosting; softened to room temperature.
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter For the frosting; softened to room temperature.
  • 4 cups powdered sugar Sifted; for a smooth and sweet frosting.
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract For the frosting; enhances flavor.
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream Adjust as needed for desired frosting consistency.

Instructions
 

Prepare the Cake Pans:

  • Grease and flour three round cake pans (8-inch or 9-inch).
    Three round cake pans lightly dusted with flour on a wooden table, with a freshly baked cake in the background.
  • Line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy release.
    Collage of four steps showing how to line a baking sheet with parchment paper, including measuring, cutting, and placing the paper for easy release.

Mix the Dry Ingredients:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
    3 cups all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt
    Large mixing bowl with flour, a whisk, and other baking ingredients like eggs and spices arranged on a wooden surface.

Cream the Butter and Sugar:

  • In another bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
    1 cup unsalted butter, 2 cups granulated sugar
    Stand mixer beating butter and sugar in a metal bowl, with sugar and butter cubes on a marble countertop.

Add Egg Whites and Vanilla:

  • Add the egg whites to the creamed mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition.
    4 large eggs
    Collage showing egg whites being whisked into a creamed mixture for a quince cake, with eggs and small bowls of ingredients on a white countertop.
  • Stir in the pure vanilla extract.
    2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
    Glass bowl with a whisk mixing a dark spiced sauce, possibly for a quince cake, alongside vanilla extract, sugar, and cinnamon sticks on a white countertop.

Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Alternately add the dry ingredients and whole milk to the creamed mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
    Bowl of batter whisked with sugar, flour, eggs, and nuts for a quince cake, surrounded by additional ingredients on a light countertop.
  • Mix until just combined to avoid overmixing.
    1 cup whole milk
    A bowl of batter with nuts being whisked for a quince cake, surrounded by flour, eggs, and spices on a light countertop.

Bake the Cakes:

  • Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to cooling racks to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

  • In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter until creamy.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Gradually add the powdered sugar and meringue powder, mixing well.
    4 cups powdered sugar, 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • Add the milk, pure vanilla extract, and almond extract, beating until smooth and fluffy.
    1 cup whole milk, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • If desired, tint the frosting with food coloring to match your theme.

Assemble the Cake:

  • Level the cooled cake layers with a serrated knife if necessary.
  • Place the first layer on a cake board and spread a layer of raspberry preserves on top.
  • Add a layer of buttercream frosting over the preserves.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Repeat with the remaining layers.
  • Apply a crumb coat of frosting to the entire cake and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Decorate the Cake:

  • Apply a final layer of buttercream frosting smoothly over the cake.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Use piping bags and tips to add decorative details as desired.
  • Incorporate edible accents like sugar flowers, pearls, or glitter to enhance the elegance.

Serve:

  • Allow the cake to set
    Elegant multi-tiered quince cake adorned with intricate fondant details, delicate lace patterns, and edible sugar flowers in pastel blush, ivory, and gold accents, featuring a crown topper and subtle metallic embellishments in a festive, softly lit setting with floral arrangements.

Notes

  • This recipe is highly customizable—feel free to adjust flavors, fillings, or decorative accents to suit your event’s theme.
  • For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
  • The calorie count is approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
  • Consider making the cake a day in advance to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to set properly.
  • Experiment with different fruit preserves or extracts if you want to further personalize your quince cake.
Keyword layered celebration cake, quince cakes, quinceañera cake