Rose Cake Recipe – When it comes to creating a dessert that is both visually stunning and irresistibly fragrant, few cakes match the charm and sophistication of a classic Rose Cake Recipe. The delicate floral aroma, soft pastel pink hues, and tender, velvety crumb make this cake a perfect centerpiece for birthdays, bridal showers, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and festive occasions. Inspired by traditional Middle Eastern and South Asian flavors, rose cakes bring a unique blend of elegance and nostalgia—combining subtle sweetness with aromatic rose essence.

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Recipe Overview

• Cuisine: Middle Eastern / South Asian / Fusion

• Course: Dessert

• Servings: 12

• Calories per Serving: ~385 kcal

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Active Baking Time: 30–35 minutes

• Resting & Cooling Time: 1 hour

• Total Time: ~1 hour 55 minutes

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup vegetable oil

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• 3 large eggs, room temperature

• 2 tsp rose water

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup buttermilk

• Optional: 2–3 drops pink food coloring for natural rose cake color

Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Hand mixer or stand mixer

• Whisk & spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• 2 × 8-inch round cake pans or 1 × 9×13 pan

• Parchment paper

• Cooling rack

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Cake Pans

Grease the cake pans with butter or oil and line the bottom with parchment.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

Make sure everything is evenly mixed to create a smooth batter later.

Step 3: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugars

In a separate bowl, beat:

• Butter

• Oil

• Granulated sugar

• Powdered sugar

Mix for 3 minutes until creamy and pale.
The combination of oil and butter results in both flavor and long-lasting moistness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Beat in the rose water and vanilla extract.

The floral aroma begins building at this stage.

Step 5: Alternating Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add half the dry mixture to the bowl → mix gently.
Add half the buttermilk → mix.
Repeat until everything is incorporated.

Optional: Add drops of pink food coloring for a soft rose tint.

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake airy.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

Bake for:

• 30–35 minutes for round pans

• 35–38 minutes for a 9×13 pan

A toothpick should come out clean.

Step 7: Cool the Cake

Let the cakes cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool fully (about 1 hour).
Frosting a warm cake will melt the buttercream, so complete cooling is essential.

Nutrition Information Per Serving

(May vary based on frosting and pan size.)

Tips for the Perfect Rose Cake

✔ Use high-quality rose water

The flavor of your cake depends heavily on the quality of rose essence.
Choose brands made from distilled rose petals.

✔ Don’t overdo the rose flavor

Rose water is strong—too much can make the cake taste soapy.

✔ Add color sparingly

A soft blush pink is more elegant than an overly bright hue.

✔ Buttermilk is essential

It gives the cake a tender, moist, bakery-style crumb.

✔ Frost after the cake is completely cool

This avoids melting and keeps layers stable.

Serving Suggestions

• Decorate with fresh or dried edible roses

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a simple presentation

• Serve with vanilla or pistachio ice cream

• Pair with herbal tea, rose latte, or cardamom chai

• Serve in mini-cupcake form for parties and baby showers

Conclusion

A rose cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Elegant, fragrant, and incredibly soft, this floral cake is designed to impress visually and delight the palate. Its delicate rose aroma creates a uniquely soothing, romantic flavor that stands out among traditional cakes. With the simple step-by-step instructions provided here, you can now bake a breathtaking rose cake at home, perfect for celebrating life’s most special moments.