Vanilla Layer Cake with Berry Compote (Lakers Edition)

Show your Laker pride with this stunning Purple & Gold Layer Cake! Layers of moist vanilla cake, creamy vanilla pudding, and fresh berry compote are topped with a light purple buttercream frosting and dazzling gold sprinkles. It's the perfect centerpiece for any Lakers celebration!

Yields: 12-15 servings Prep time: 1 hour (includes chilling time) Cook time: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups (500g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup (240ml) milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

For the Pudding Filling:

• 1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups (480ml) cold milk

For the Berry Compote:

• 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries), fresh or frozen
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Frosting:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Purple food coloring (gel or liquid)

For Decoration:

• Gold sprinkles
• Fondant or candy basketballs (optional)
• Lakers logo cutout (printed on edible paper or cardstock)

Instructions:

Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in milk and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before¹ inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Pudding Filling:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the instant pudding mix and cold milk for 2 minutes, until thickened. Refrigerate while preparing the rest of the cake.

Berry Compote:

1. In a saucepan, combine the berries, sugar, and lemon juice.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly (about 10-15 minutes).
3. Let the compote cool completely.

Frosting:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until combined.
3. Add the milk and vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy.
4. Tint the frosting with purple food coloring.

Assembly:

1. Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops with a serrated knife if necessary.
2. Place one cake layer on a cake stand or serving plate. Spread a layer of pudding filling over the cake layer.
3. Top with a layer of berry compote.
4. Place the second cake layer on top and repeat with pudding and compote.
5. Top with the final cake layer.
6. Frost the entire cake with purple buttercream frosting.
7. Decorate the cake with gold sprinkles. Add fondant basketballs or a Lakers logo cutout if desired.
   
   
   

Tips & Variations:

• For a richer vanilla flavor, use pure vanilla extract.
• You can use different berries in the compote, or even use a pre-made fruit filling.
• If you don't have gel food coloring, you can use liquid food coloring, but you may need to add more to achieve the desired color.
• Get creative with the decorations! You can use different candies, sprinkles, or even edible images of Lakers players.
• For a simpler decoration, you can just frost the cake with purple frosting and sprinkle with gold sprinkles.

Enjoy your Lakers "Purple & Gold" Layer Cake while cheering on the team!