Broken Window Glass Cake

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans (or line them with parchment paper for easier removal).
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the wet and dry ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Then add the oil and stir until smooth.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Frosting

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Beat on high for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
3. Add the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Beat again, adding more milk as needed until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 3: Make the “Glass” Shards

1. Prepare your molds: Before making the glass, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. You will also need some heatproof spoons or a heatproof container to handle the melted sugar.
2. Melt the sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and cream of tartar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once the sugar has dissolved and let the mixture come to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (this is the hard-crack stage).
3. Color the sugar: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. Once it has cooled for about 30 seconds, carefully stir in a few drops of food coloring (gel food coloring works best to avoid affecting the texture). You can use one color or make multiple batches with different colors.
4. Pour the sugar: Quickly pour the hot colored sugar onto the prepared baking sheet. Tilt the sheet to spread it out into an even layer. Allow the candy to cool completely and harden (this should take about 30 minutes).
5. Break the candy: Once the candy is cool and solidified, break it into shards using your hands or a hammer (cover the candy with a clean cloth to protect your hands). Aim for large and small shards to create a more realistic “broken glass” effect.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake

1. Trim the cakes: If the cakes have domed on top, use a serrated knife to level them so they stack neatly.
2. Frost the cake: Place one layer of the cake on a serving platter. Spread a layer of frosting over the top, then place the second layer of cake on top. Frost the entire cake with the remaining frosting.
3. Decorate with the glass: Gently press the candy shards into the frosting on the sides and top of the cake, making sure to place them randomly for a natural “shattered glass” look. Arrange the shards in a way that they stick out and give the cake a stunning visual effect.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve your Broken Window Glass Cake! It’s sure to be the star of the dessert table.

Tips for Success

• Safety First: Be very careful when working with hot sugar. Always use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature, and never touch the hot sugar.
• Coloring the Glass: If you’re using liquid food coloring, be cautious not to add too much, as it can affect the texture of the sugar.
• Make Ahead: The candy glass can be made a day or two ahead of time and stored in an airtight container. Just make sure the candy is fully cooled and hardened before storing.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

• Impressive Presentation: The shattered candy glass on top creates a showstopping visual that’s sure to wow anyone who sees it.
• Delicious Layers: The combination of a moist cake, creamy frosting, and crunchy candy glass creates a delightful contrast in textures.
• Customizable: You can use different colors for the glass shards to fit any theme or occasion, whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or special celebration.
• Fun to Make: Creating the candy glass is like making your own edible art. It’s a great activity to do with kids or for anyone who enjoys a hands-on cooking experience.

Conclusion

The Broken Window Glass Cake is a fun and creative dessert that combines eye-catching aesthetics with delicious flavors. Whether you’re making it for a special event or just want to indulge in a unique treat, this cake is sure to be a hit. With its colorful candy glass, fluffy cake, and sweet frosting, it’s a dessert that’s as exciting to make as it is to eat!