Calling all motorcycle enthusiasts and cake lovers! Get ready to kickstart the most epic birthday celebration with a show-stopping Harley Davidson themed cake that'll make every biker's heart roar with excitement. This isn't just a cake - it's a delicious work of art that combines rich chocolate decadence with the iconic spirit of America's most legendary motorcycle brand. Whether you're celebrating a hardcore rider's birthday or simply want to impress with an extraordinary dessert, this cake promises to be the centerpiece that'll have everyone talking!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- Buttercream frosting
- Black fondant
- Orange fondant
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk together until well blended.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs and then add the whole milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on medium speed until smooth. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Carefully stir in the boiling water. The batter will be thin, but this is normal and will help create a moist cake.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cakes to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cakes are cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. In a large bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. If desired, add a splash of milk to achieve the desired consistency.
- Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of buttercream frosting on top of the first layer.
- Place the second cake layer on top and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining buttercream frosting, smoothing it out as desired.
- To create the Harley Davidson theme, roll out the black fondant to cover the entire cake. Smooth it over the frosted cake, trimming off any excess at the base.
- Next, roll out the orange fondant to create the iconic Harley Davidson logo. Use a template or your own design to cut out the logo shape and place it on the front of the cake.
- For added decoration, you can create small accents with leftover fondant, such as tires or flames, to enhance the motorcycle theme.
- Allow the cake to set for a few hours at room temperature before serving, ensuring the fondant has time to firm up.
- Slice the cake into 12 servings and enjoy your Harley Davidson Birthday Cake with friends and family!
Tips
- Fondant Perfection: Work with fondant when it's slightly cool to prevent tearing and ensure smooth application.
- Temperature Matters: Make sure your cake is completely cooled before applying frosting to prevent melting and sliding.
- Precision Cutting: Use a sharp knife or fondant cutter when creating the Harley Davidson logo for clean, crisp edges.
- Color Authenticity: Stick to the classic Harley black and orange for an authentic look that truly captures the motorcycle brand's essence.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: You can prepare the cake layers a day in advance and store them wrapped in plastic to maintain moisture.
- Fondant Smoothing Trick: Use a fondant smoother or clean, dry hands to eliminate air bubbles and create a sleek finish.
- Practice Piping: If you're adding detailed decorations, practice your piping techniques on parchment paper first.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 62g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
