The iconic warm spices of golden milk are translated into this sweet Golden Milk Layer Cake topped with chopped candied nuts.
Remember when golden milk was all the rage circa 2016? Also known as turmeric tea or turmeric latte, it seemed like everyone had forgotten about matcha and coffee and moved on to this golden concoction.
I, too, jumped on the band wagon. A warm cozy cup of golden milk became my go-to bedtime drink during the winter.
The combination of spices with frothy milk and a drizzle of sweet honey, made golden milk the perfect night cap on cold nights.
As the weather finally cools down in LA, I’m ready to revive my golden milk rituals.
Golden Milk Cake
Why simply drink golden milk when you can also eat it?!
The golden milk layer cake takes all the flavors of turmeric latte and turns it into a luscious, sweet, decadent dessert!
I can’t promise the same anti-inflammation benefits as turmeric tea latte. This cake won’t improve your digestion. It won’t boost your immunity.
However, I can guarantee, this sweet golden milk layer cake will make your taste buds jump for joy!
What is golden milk?
Golden milk is a simply a mixture of milk and ground turmeric.
Turmeric is responsible for that iconic golden hue and the drink’s touted health benefits.
Turmeric and milk are the two staples. The choice of milk is up to you: regular cow’s milk, coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk.
But the real choices come with the spices.
INGREDIENT INTEL: What is in golden milk?
Turmeric is the star player. Depending on who you ask, there’s a bunch of spices that play supporting roles in golden milk. These include: cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, cardamom, and cloves.
Layer Cake Recipe Notes
The recipe for this golden milk cake makes three 6-inch cake layers. However, it can also be baked in two 8-inch cake pans.
The cake batter is spiced with ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, ground black pepper, and grated fresh ginger.
I used coconut milk to thin out the batter. Regular cow’s milk or soy milk can be used it’s place.
I used a standard American buttercream ratio (unsalted butter mixed with powdered sugar) and added cinnamon, turmeric, and a touch of honey.
INGREDIENT INTEL: Fresh vs Ground Ginger
I am not a fan of powdered ground ginger. Perhaps I haven’t found the right brand. I don’t like the way it tastes or the way it smells.
As a result, I used fresh grated ginger for this cake recipe. Use ¼ teaspoon ground ginger as a substitute.
I love turning my favorite drinks into cakes and other desserts!
More Tea Inspired Cakes
Golden Milk Layer Cake
Ingredients
Golden Milk Cake:
- 3 cups cake flour, (360 g)
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger, *
- 6 large egg whites
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, , well-shaken, unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 12 Tablespoon unsalted butter, , softened
- 1 ½ cup granulated sugar
Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, , softened
- 3 cup confectioners’ sugar, , sifted
- ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 Tablespoon canned coconut milk
- ½ Tablespoon honey
- pinch kosher salt
Toppings:
- candied pecans, , chopped
- candied walnuts, , chopped
- honey, , drizzle as needed
Instructions
Cake:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and lightly flour three 6-inch cake pans. Line bottom with parchment paper and set aside.
- Sift together cake flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper. Set aside. In another bowl, whisk together fresh ginger, milk, egg whites, and vanilla until smooth. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Scrape down bowl as needed to ensure thorough mixing.
- Add 1/3 of dry flour mixture. Mix on slow speed while adding 1/2 of liquid mixture. Adding another 1/3 of dry mixture, follow with remaining liquid mixture, end with remaining dry mixture. Mix until batter is well combine. Scrape down bowl as needed.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared cake pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Let cake cool in pan for 5 minutes before unmolding. Allow cake layers to cool to room temperature on wire racks.
- If necessary, use a serrated knife to level off cake layers once cake has completely cooled.
Buttercream:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment (or using a hand mixer), cream butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cinnamon, and turmeric. Mix on low speed until incorporated. Scape down bowl as needed. Add coconut milk, honey, and salt. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Assembly:
- Place one cake layer on cake board or serving plate. Spread layer of buttercream over cake layer. Repeat with second and third cake layer.
- Spread thin layer of buttercream around the exterior of assembled cake to seal in crumbs. Chill in the fridge to set up. If desired, add another coat of buttercream.
- Keep cake chilled in the fridge until ready to serve. Allow cake to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before slicing. Be serving, garnish cake with candied nuts and a drizzle of honey.
Notes
- I highly recommend using fresh grated ginger. It will result in a cleaner, fresher flavor.
- If using ground ginger, use ¼ teaspoon. Sift together with other dry ingredients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
Hello! This is such a unique recipe I can’t wait to try it!
Can I use AP instead of cake flour for this recipe? How would this change the result at all texture wise?
If I were to make this into cupcakes, would I just half the recipe?
Unfortunately I cannot give you a definite answer. I have not tested this recipe to make cupcakes.
when you say COCONUT MILK do you mean the stuff in the can or the stuff that’s by the ALMOND and SOY MILK in cooler?
Canned coconut milk.