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Several basketball cakes on a table

Basketball Cake

Chef Bella
Explore 4 creative basketball cake ideas with easy recipes, decorating tips, and step-by-step instructions for your next sports-themed celebration.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Cake:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 2 ½ tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tbsp salt

For the Buttercream Frosting:

  • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2-4 tbsp milk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • Orange and brown food coloring

For Decoration:

  • Fondant (orange, black, and brown)
  • Edible paper (optional for leather texture)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cake Batter:
    Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line them with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  • Bake the Cakes:
    Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:
    In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, beating on low speed until incorporated.Add vanilla extract and milk (1 tablespoon at a time) until the frosting reaches a smooth, spreadable consistency.Separate a portion of the frosting and tint it orange with food coloring. Use brown food coloring for additional detailing.
  • Assemble the Cake:
    Once the cakes are completely cool, level them if necessary. Stack the layers with a thin layer of buttercream between them.Apply a crumb coat (thin layer of frosting) to the entire cake and chill for 20 minutes.
  • Decorate the Cake:
    Roll out the orange fondant and carefully drape it over the cake, smoothing it with fondant smoothers.Use a toothpick or a basketball texture stamp to create the characteristic grooves and texture of a basketball.Add black fondant strips to mimic the lines on a basketball. For added realism, use edible paper or specialized molds to replicate the pebbled surface.
  • Finishing Touches:
    Use any leftover frosting for additional decorations or piped details. Serve on a themed platter for a festive touch.