East Meets West Celebration Cake

1. Prepare Cake Pans

Start by preparing your cake pans. Grease them generously with butter and dust them with flour to ensure your cakes don't stick. This step is crucial for even baking and easy release. Preheat your oven to 350°F.

2. Cream Butter, Sugar, and Oil

In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil on medium speed for about a minute. This mixture should be well combined and slightly fluffy.

3. Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Next, add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until each ingredient is fully incorporated.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, baking powder, and fine sea salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

5. Mix Batter

Alternately add the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.

6. Divide and Bake

Divide the batter equally among the three prepared cake pans and level the tops. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before turning them out onto a wire rack to cool completely, which should take about an hour.

7. Prepare Whipped Cream

While the cakes are cooling, prepare the whipped cream. Beat the cream cheese and vanilla extract together until smooth. Sift in the confectioners’ sugar and beat until incorporated. Gradually add the heavy cream, beating until the mixture forms firm peaks. The cream cheese will help stabilize the whipped cream, making it perfect for layering.

8. Prepare Fruit

Prepare the fruit by slicing the strawberries and kiwis, and dicing the peaches if using fresh. If using canned peaches, ensure they are well-drained.

9. Assemble Cake

To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread a generous layer of whipped cream over it. Arrange a third of the sliced fruit on top of the cream. Repeat with the second cake layer, more whipped cream, and another third of the fruit. Place the final cake layer on top and spread the remaining whipped cream over the top and sides of the cake. Arrange the remaining fruit decoratively on top.

10. Prepare Glaze

For the glaze, heat the apricot jam and water in a small saucepan until the jam melts. Strain the mixture to remove any chunks, and then brush the glaze over the arranged fruit to give it a beautiful, glossy finish.

11. Refrigerate and Serve

Refrigerate the cake until you are ready to serve it. This helps the whipped cream set and allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy your East Meets West Celebration Cake!