Delightful Pink Champagne Cake for Your Next Celebration
Last Updated on February 12, 2026 by Antoni Recipes Team
When the first bubbles of celebration tickled the surface of my glass, I knew I wanted to capture that moment in a cake. The idea of a Pink Champagne Cake began humbly in my kitchen, as I stared at an opened bottle of bubbly leftover from a recent gathering. The sweet, effervescent notes of champagne beckoned to be transformed into something divine, and I couldn t resist the urge to create a dessert that would bring a touch of elegance to any occasion.
This delightful cake combines a tender crumb with the festive spark of pink champagne, making it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or just a whimsical treat on a Wednesday. The best part? It s surprisingly easy to make! With each luscious layer frosted in a velvety champagne buttercream, you ll be treating yourself and your loved ones to a slice of joy. So grab your mixing bowl and let s toast to delightful homemade flavors with a dash of bubbly sparkle!
Why is Pink Champagne Cake a must-try?
Celebratory flair: This cake is perfect for any occasion, elevating your dessert table with its vibrant hue and bubbly flavor.
Decadent frosting: The buttercream made with pink champagne adds a creamy touch that is simply divine.
Easy to create: Simple steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all levels no need to be a pro!
Versatile dessert: Customize it with fresh fruits or edible flowers for added charm, making it uniquely yours.
Impressive result: Your friends and family will be dazzled by this beautiful cake, making you the star of the gathering.
For a delightful twist on a classic, try pairing it with homemade vanilla ice cream!
Pink Champagne Cake Ingredients
Discover the key ingredients to this delightful pink champagne cake that will bring a sparkle to your celebrations!
For the Cake
- All-purpose flour 2 ¼ cups for the perfect cake structure.
- Baking powder 2 ¼ tsp to provide that light, airy texture.
- Salt 1 tsp enhances the sweetness of the cake.
- Unsalted butter ¾ cup, softened for a creamy batter.
- Granulated sugar 1 ½ cups to ensure a sweet, moist cake.
- Egg whites 5 large, contributing to a lighter crumb.
- Vanilla 2 tsp for that warm, comforting flavor.
- Pink champagne or sparkling wine 1 cup gives a festive touch full of bubbly flavor.
- Pink gel food coloring (optional) to intensify the color as desired.
For the Frosting
- Unsalted butter 1.5 cups, softened for a rich and creamy frosting.
- Powdered sugar 6 cups for the sweet, fluffy frosting consistency.
- Pink champagne or sparkling wine 2/3 cup adds an effervescent flavor to the frosting.
- Salt pinch, omit if using salted butter to balance sweetness.
- Pink gel food coloring (optional) to match the frosting with the cake.
- Vanilla extract (optional) 1 tsp adds an extra layer of flavor to the buttercream.
Let the ingredients inspire your own variation of this delightful pink champagne cake, perfect for celebrating in style!
How to Make Pink Champagne Cake
-
Reduce the Champagne:
Pour the pink champagne into a medium saucepan and heat it over medium-high heat. Allow it to boil for a moment, then lower the heat and simmer for 5-8 minutes until it s reduced by half. Let it cool completely before using. -
Cream the Butter:
In a mixing bowl, add the softened unsalted butter. Mix on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it s light and fluffy, creating the perfect base for your cake. -
Prepare the Frosting Mix:
Add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture and mix on low speed until it appears crumbly. Then, incorporate the vanilla, reduced champagne, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is smoothly combined, then cover and set aside for later. -
Preheat the Oven:
While you prepare the batter, preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). This ensures your cake bakes evenly and perfectly. -
Prepare the Pans:
Take three 6-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Grease them well with baking spray or a combination of butter and flour for easy removal. -
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside as it will help the cake rise beautifully. -
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a fresh mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy, giving your cake that sweet, moist texture. -
Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Mix in the egg whites and vanilla, one egg white at a time. Don t forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated! -
Combine Dry Ingredients with Champagne:
Gradually add the dry flour mixture and the reduced champagne to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with flour (three parts flour, two parts champagne). Stir gently over-mixing can toughen your cake! -
Add Color (Optional):
If you re using pink gel food coloring, add it to the batter after the second addition of flour. Mix until you reach your desired shade of pink. -
Divide and Smooth Batter:
Carefully divide the batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops to create an even surface for baking. -
Bake the Cakes:
Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This is key to achieving that tender crumb. -
Cool the Cake Layers:
Once baked, let the cakes cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience is key here! -
Frost and Decorate:
Once cooled, generously frost the layers with your prepared pink champagne buttercream. Add any decorations you desire to make it even more stunning!
Optional: For an extra touch, garnish with edible flowers or fresh berries for that celebratory flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Pink Champagne Cake
Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. Keep it covered in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness.
Fridge: If you plan to keep the cake longer, refrigerate it for up to 1 week. Use plastic wrap or an airtight container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Reheating: If you have leftover slices, enjoy them cold or let them come to room temperature for the best flavor. You can also reheat in the microwave for just a few seconds, but avoid overheating.
Pink Champagne Cake Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing your Pink Champagne Cake with these fun twists!
- Dairy-Free: Substitute unsweetened almond or coconut milk in the cake and frosting for a delightful dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use a high-quality gluten-free flour blend to keep the lovely texture without the gluten.
- Fruity Burst: Add a cup of fresh raspberries or strawberries into the batter for a delicious fruity surprise in every bite.
- Chocolate Lover s Twist: Mix in ½ cup of cocoa powder to create a rich, chocolate champagne cake indulge your sweet tooth!
- Citrus Zing: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a refreshing citrus note that complements the champagne beautifully.
- Layer It Up: Create a three-layer masterpiece by alternating pink champagne cake layers with chocolate cake for an impressive visual and flavor contrast.
- Heat it Up: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to your frosting for a unique spicy kick that balances the sweetness.
- Nuts for Crunch: Fold in ½ cup of finely chopped almonds or pistachios to the batter for a delightful nutty texture and flavor punch.
With these variations, your Pink Champagne Cake will never be boring! Enjoy exploring each new flavor profile and make it your own.
What to Serve with Pink Champagne Cake?
Imagine a delightful gathering where laughter fills the air and the sweet aroma of dessert beckons your taste buds to indulge.
-
Fresh Berries: The vibrant sweetness of strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries adds a refreshing touch that perfectly balances the cake s richness.
-
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melts luxuriously over a slice, enhancing every bite with a blissful chill.
-
Sparkling Wine: Toasting with a glass of bubbly champagne or sparkling wine echoes the flavors in the cake, making every conversation sparkle.
-
Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries: These decadent bites add a playful contrast and a touch of romance that pairs beautifully with festive desserts.
-
Lemon Mist Spritzer: A light, zesty drink can cleanse the palate between cake slices, refreshing the senses and keeping the party cheerful.
-
Whipped Cream: Pile it high! Silky whipped cream adds a delightful, fluffy texture that enhances the overall experience of every slice.
-
Fruit Tart: A fruity tart with a crumbly base can provide a texture contrast while complementing the cake s festive, bubbly notes.
Let these pairings elevate your celebration and make every moment with Pink Champagne Cake unforgettable!
Make Ahead Options
These Pink Champagne Cake layers are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can bake the cake layers up to 3 days in advance; simply cool them completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate to maintain freshness. The frosting can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using, as refrigeration can alter the texture. When you re ready to serve, assemble and frost the layers, allowing the cake to come to room temperature for an hour for the best flavor. This way, you ll have a stunning cake that s just as delicious with minimal last-minute effort!
Expert Tips for Pink Champagne Cake
- Champagne Reduction: Always cool the reduced champagne completely before adding it to the batter, as hot liquid can affect your cake s texture.
- Egg Whites Care: Make sure to separate the egg whites carefully to avoid yolk. Any fat from the yolk can prevent the egg whites from whipping up properly.
- Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the batter just until combined to avoid a dense Pink Champagne Cake. Over-mixing introduces air and develops gluten, making the cake tough.
- Bake Time Checks: Start checking for doneness at 25 minutes, as oven times may differ. A toothpick should come out clean to ensure your cakes are baked perfectly.
- Layer Cooling: Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting, keeping the layers intact and beautifully frosted.
Pink Champagne Cake Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right pink champagne for the cake?
Absolutely! When choosing a pink champagne or sparkling wine, look for one that has a balanced sweetness. A brut or extra dry champagne works wonderfully, as it adds a delightful flavor without being overly sweet. Avoid flavored or overly sweet sparkling wines, as they can affect the cake s taste.
How should I store leftover Pink Champagne Cake?
For short-term storage, keep the cake at room temperature for up to 3 days in an airtight container. If you re planning on enjoying it longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Be sure to cover it well with plastic wrap or place it in a container to keep it moist.
Can I freeze the Pink Champagne Cake?
Very! To freeze your cake, first ensure it s completely cooled. Then, wrap the layers tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil for extra protection. This method can keep your cake fresh for up to 3 months. When you re ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What if my cake sunk in the middle?
If your Pink Champagne Cake sinks, it could be due to a few reasons. Make sure you didn t open the oven door too early, as this can cause a sudden temperature drop. Ensure your ingredients, especially the baking powder, are fresh and properly measured. If it does sink, you can still serve it as a trifle dessert by layering the pieces with whipped cream and berries!
Is this cake suitable for those with gluten allergies?
I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you re catering to gluten-free diets. Many blends work well, but check for one that contains xanthan gum or another binder to help mimic the texture of traditional flour. Make sure to verify that the pink champagne is also gluten-free, though most brands are naturally so.
How do I enhance the flavor of the cake?
For a deeper complexity in flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. It harmonizes beautifully with the champagne and adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your Pink Champagne Cake. Additionally, fresh fruit or edible flowers for decoration not only look beautiful but also elevate the taste experience!