Bake Your Own Coraline-Inspired Welcome Home Cake!

Published on Oct 18, 2024

This whimsical Coraline-inspired cake brings the enchanting world of “Welcome Home” to your kitchen. With a delightful combination of white chocolate, rose water, and colorful fondant decorations, it's a perfect treat for any occasion! Whether you're baking for a Coraline fan or simply want to enjoy a bit of magic, this cake will surely captivate hearts.

Let’s dive into the details of how to make this charming cake step by step, ensuring it’s not only fun to create but absolutely delicious to enjoy!

Ingredients

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients you’ll need to bring this delightful cake to life. The recipe is broken down into three components: the white chocolate and rose water cake, the dreamy buttercream frosting, and the colorful fondant decoration.

For the White Chocolate and Rose Water Cake:

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
3 large eggs, at room temperature
3.5 oz (100g) white chocolate, melted
1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp rose water
1/4 tsp salt

For the Buttercream:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
A few drops of pink food coloring
3 tbsp heavy cream (adjust to desired consistency)

For the Fondant Decoration:

Brown fondant
Pink fondant
Yellow fondant

Cooking Guide

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 6-inch springform pan. You’re setting the stage for a delightful cake to take shape!
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Gently pour in the melted white chocolate, allowing it to blend seamlessly with the rest of the batter. White chocolate brings a luscious texture and a subtle sweetness.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in small portions, alternating with the vanilla extract and rose water. This delicate addition of rose water is what gives the cake a floral touch, reminiscent of Coraline’s otherworldly charm.
Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter.

2. Baking the Cake:

Once your batter is ready, pour it into the greased springform pan, smoothing out the top for even baking.
Place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the cake is ready when it turns a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
After baking, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, let’s move on to the buttercream frosting.

3. Making the Pink Buttercream:

This vibrant pink buttercream not only adds flavor but also a pop of color that’s key to capturing Coraline’s playful aesthetic!
In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until smooth and well combined.
Add the vanilla extract and a few drops of pink food coloring. Adjust the color intensity to your liking.
To adjust the consistency of the buttercream, add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness. It should be spreadable yet firm enough to hold its shape on the cake.

4. Assembling the Cake:

Now that your cake is cooled and your buttercream is ready, it’s time to put everything together!
Slice the cooled cake horizontally into two or three layers (depending on your preference for thickness).
Spread an even layer of pink buttercream between each layer of cake, ensuring you save enough frosting to coat the outside.
Once the cake layers are stacked, apply a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting) around the entire cake. This helps to lock in any crumbs for a smooth finish.
Place the cake in the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.

5. Decorating with Fondant:

Now for the fun part – decorating! Channel your inner artist and let the world of Coraline come to life on this cake.
Roll out the brown fondant and use it to create the base "Welcome Home" sign. Carefully place it on top of the cake.
Roll out the pink fondant to form flowers, and the yellow fondant to add tiny decorative elements (like petals or buttons). These playful accents will give your cake a charming, Coraline-inspired touch.
You can use a small, clean brush to write "Welcome Home" on the brown fondant using edible ink or food coloring gel.
Take your time to arrange the fondant decorations just right. You’ll have a beautiful, themed cake that looks like it was pulled straight out of Coraline’s world!

Total Cook Time

From start to finish, creating your Coraline “Welcome Home” cake will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This includes preparation, baking, cooling, and decorating.

Breakdown of the process:

Preparation time: 45 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Cooling time: 30-45 minutes
Decorating time: 30 minutes

Serving Size:

This enchanting cake is designed to serve 8 people. Each slice will bring a burst of flavors – from the floral hints of rose water to the sweetness of white chocolate and the smoothness of pink buttercream.

It’s the perfect size for a small gathering, whether you’re hosting a Coraline-themed party or simply sharing with loved ones over tea!

Nutrition Information:

While nutrition values can vary depending on specific brands and measurements, here’s an approximate breakdown per serving of this cake:

Calories: 420-450 per slice
Total Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 55g
Sugars: 45g
Protein: 4g

This cake is an indulgent treat, so enjoy it as a special occasion dessert!

A Few Final Tips:

Fondant Troubleshooting: If your fondant feels too stiff, you can warm it in your hands or microwave it for just a few seconds to make it more pliable. A touch of shortening can also help smooth out any cracks.
Custom Decorations: Feel free to get creative! You can add buttons, whimsical characters, or even a door to the "Other World" to your cake using different fondant colors. Personal touches make it even more special.
Storage: If you have leftovers (which might be rare with a cake this delightful!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

With its charming design and delightful flavors, this Coraline "Welcome Home" cake is sure to enchant your taste buds and imagination alike. Happy baking, and welcome home to sweet, magical moments!