Hear Me Out Cake Recipe

145

Imagine gathering your friends for a typical weekend hangout. Now, add a cake topped with images of unconventional crushes — think the charm of the Grinch or the enigmatic allure of Captain Jack Sparrow. Yes, it sounds bizarre, but that’s exactly the point! The “Hear Me Out Cake” pivots on sharing that oddball, “don’t judge me” crushes we might hesitate to admit but can’t help chuckling over.

What is a Hear Me Out Cake?

Hear Me Out Cake is a popular dessert that gained attention on social media, particularly TikTok. It typically features layers of moist cake, often with flavors like chocolate or vanilla, and is filled with various types of frosting or fillings, such as whipped cream or fruit.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup milk (room temperature)
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 4 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Frosting:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 4-5 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2-3 tablespoons cream or milk
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preparing the Batter:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix well and set aside.
3. In another bowl, beat the sugar and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Gradually add the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract to the sugar and eggs, beating continuously.
5. Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mix, ensuring to mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

2. Baking the Cake:

1. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Evenly divide the batter between the two pans.
3. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

3. Making the Frosting:

1. Beat the softened butter until it is creamy and smooth.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk. Increase speed to high and beat for an additional 3 minutes. Add more milk, if necessary, to reach your desired consistency.

4. Assembling the Cake:

1. Once the cakes are cool, level them with a knife or cake leveler if needed.
2. Place the first layer on your cake stand or plate and spread a layer of frosting on top.
3. Add the second cake layer and apply a crumb coat to the entire cake. Chill for about 15-20 minutes, then apply the final coat of frosting, smoothing it out with a spatula or knife.

5. Personalizing Your “Hear Me Out” Cake:

1. This is where creativity comes into play. Print out images of your unconventional crush(es) on safe, edible paper or attach them to skewers to stick into the top of your cake.
2. Arrange your toppers creatively atop your beautifully frosted cake.

Tips:

• For the images, make sure they’re of good quality. If using non-edible images on skewers, remember they’re not for consumption.
• A turntable can be a game-changer when frosting your cake for that perfectly smooth finish.
• Experiment with flavors! While vanilla is a classic, don’t shy away from trying out chocolate, red velvet, or even carrot cake as your base.
• Have fun with the frosting colors — match them to the theme of your “Hear Me Out” crushes for an added layer of personalization.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect sides and accompaniments with your “Hear Me Out Cake” can turn a slice of cake into a full dessert experience. The sides you choose can complement the cake, balance its flavors, or even provide a refreshing contrast.

Beverages:

• Coffee: A freshly brewed pot of coffee is a classic choice. For something special, consider making a French press or offering a selection of espresso-based drinks like lattes or cappuccinos. The bitterness of the coffee contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the Hear Me Out Cake.
• Tea: Offer a selection of classic black or green teas to herbal blends like chamomile or peppermint. Aromatic teas like Earl Grey or Jasmine can add a fragrant touch to the cake-tasting experience.
• Milk & Flavored Milk: Cold milk is a nostalgic choice that pairs wonderfully with cake. For a twist, offer chocolate, almond, or oat milk.
• Dessert Wines: If the occasion calls for it, a sweet dessert wine like Port, Moscato, or Riesling can beautifully enhance the flavors of your cake.

Ice Cream & Sorbet:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing that works with almost any cake flavor. Its creamy texture and neutral flavor profile complement the cake without overpowering it.
• Flavored Ice Cream: Choose a flavor that complements your cake. For instance, if your cake has fruit elements, a matching fruit-flavored ice cream could enhance those flavors.
• Sorbet: For a dairy-free and lighter option, sorbet is a refreshing choice. Lemon, raspberry, or mango sorbet can offer a delightful contrast to the richness of the cake.

Fruit Compotes & Fresh Fruits:

• Berry Compote: A tangy berry compote made from strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries can add a fresh and slightly tart flavor to the creamy and sweet profile of the cake.
• Fresh Fruits: Slices of fresh fruits like strawberries, kiwis, peaches, or a mix of berries serve as a light and refreshing accompaniment. They also add a pop of color to your dessert presentation.

Whipped Cream & Sauces:

• Homemade Whipped Cream: A lightly sweetened whipped cream dollop can add a luxurious texture and a hint of sweetness. Flavor the whipped cream with vanilla, almond extract, or citrus zest for an added twist.
• Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce can elevate each slice of cake, adding a rich and indulgent element.

Nuts & Sprinkles:

• Toasted Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted almonds, pecans, or walnuts can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that complements the soft cake.
• Sprinkles or Edible Glitter: For a fun and festive touch, add sprinkles or edible glitter atop the whipped cream or beside the cake serving for that extra sparkle.

Final Thoughts

Your “Hear Me Out Cake” is bound to be a conversation starter, bringing a good dose of laughter and possibly some debates about the merits of each “crush.”