Las Vegas is known for its dazzling lights, thrilling casinos, and larger-than-life entertainment. So, when Cake Boss Buddy decided to create a Vegas-themed cake, the result was nothing short of spectacular.
This cake embodies the glitz and glamour of Sin City, featuring bold colors, eye-catching decorations, and flavors that excite the palate just like a night out on the Strip. Whether you’re hosting a casino party, celebrating a special occasion, or just want to indulge in a slice of Vegas magic, this cake recipe is sure to impress both in taste and presentation.
In this blog post, I’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to making this show-stopping cake, complete with all the ingredients, equipment, and insider tips you need. Let’s dive into the world of neon lights, poker chips, and jackpot-worthy sweetness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Vegas-themed cake is a feast for the senses. The combination of rich chocolate layers, vibrant red velvet accents, and a smooth vanilla buttercream frosting creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both indulgent and balanced.
The decorations—think edible dice, playing cards, and shimmering gold accents—bring a playful and authentic casino vibe right to your table.
Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe provides clear instructions and uses accessible ingredients. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile.
You can customize the decorations to fit your party theme or even bake it as a smaller version for intimate celebrations. It’s a cake that promises fun, flavor, and a touch of Vegas sparkle in every bite!
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot water
- Red food coloring (for red velvet layers)
- 1 tbsp white vinegar (for red velvet)
- 1 tsp baking soda (for red velvet)
- Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Edible gold dust or glitter (optional)
- Decorations:
- Fondant in black, white, and red
- Edible playing cards
- Edible dice or dice-shaped candies
- Gold edible pearls or beads
Equipment
- Two 9-inch round cake pans
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
- Offset spatula or butter knife (for frosting)
- Rolling pin (for fondant)
- Piping bags and tips (optional for decoration)
- Cake board or serving plate
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour the two 9-inch round cake pans and set aside.
- Prepare the chocolate cake batter: In a large bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed with your mixer, then gradually add hot water and mix until smooth. The batter will be thin; this is normal.
- Prepare the red velvet batter: In a medium bowl, sift 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 tsp baking soda and 1 tsp salt. In another bowl, whisk 1 ½ cups sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 2 eggs, 2 tbsp red food coloring, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tbsp white vinegar.
- Slowly mix wet ingredients into dry ingredients until smooth.
- Divide the chocolate and red velvet batters equally between the two pans, layering them alternately to create a marbled effect or bake separately for layered assembly.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
- Make the buttercream frosting: Beat the softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla extract and 3 tablespoons of cream, beating on high speed for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Adjust consistency with more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Assemble the cake: Place one cake layer on your cake board. Spread an even layer of buttercream over the top. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with a crumb coat of frosting all over the cake.
- Chill the cake for 20 minutes, then apply a smooth final coat of frosting.
- Decorate: Roll out fondant and cut into shapes like playing cards and dice. Attach edible decorations carefully with a dab of frosting. Add edible gold dust or glitter for that Vegas sparkle.
- Refrigerate cake until ready to serve to keep it fresh.
Tips & Variations
“For a truly show-stopping Vegas cake, don’t rush the decoration process. Take your time to craft each detail, and use edible glitter sparingly to catch the light without overpowering the design.”
- Use gel food coloring to achieve richer red velvet colors without altering the batter’s consistency.
- Try swapping the chocolate layers for a rich mocha or espresso-flavored cake to add depth.
- For a non-dairy option, substitute butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk in the frosting.
- Decorate with miniature edible playing chips or dice candies for easier and quicker decorating.
- Want to add a boozy kick? Brush cake layers lightly with a coffee liqueur or bourbon before frosting. For inspiration, check out this Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake Recipe.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 slice) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 65 mg |
| Sodium | 320 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 52 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 38 g |
| Protein | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
This cake is a centerpiece perfect for any Vegas-themed party or celebration. Serve it alongside a rich cup of coffee or a creamy milkshake to complement the chocolate and vanilla flavors.
For adult gatherings, pair slices with a smooth red wine or a classic cocktail like the Huckleberry Margarita for an extra festive touch.
If you want to extend the theme, serve alongside casino-inspired appetizers or desserts, such as mini tarts or chocolate poker chip cookies. For a lighter complement, check out some Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes to balance the indulgence.
Conclusion
Baking a Vegas-themed cake inspired by Cake Boss Buddy brings the excitement and glamour of Las Vegas right into your kitchen. This recipe combines rich, moist cake layers with creamy buttercream and dazzling decorations that reflect the spirit of the city that never sleeps.
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just craving a slice of decadent fun, this cake delivers an unforgettable experience that’s as bold and vibrant as Vegas itself.
Remember, the key to this recipe’s success lies not only in the ingredients but also in the joy of creating and sharing something spectacular. For more creative baking ideas, explore other exciting recipes like our Cake Boss White Velvet Cake Recipe or try your hand at savory dishes such as the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe.
Happy baking and may your Vegas-themed party be a jackpot hit!
📖 Recipe Card: Cake Boss Buddy Makes a Vegas Themed Cake
Description: A dazzling Vegas-themed cake inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Strip. This layered cake features bold flavors and vibrant decorations perfect for any celebration.
Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H15M
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Red, yellow, and blue gel food coloring
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- Edible gold glitter and playing card decorations
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- Divide batter into three bowls and tint with red, yellow, and blue food coloring.
- Pour each colored batter into separate pans and bake for 40-45 minutes.
- Let cakes cool completely, then layer with whipped cream frosting.
- Decorate with edible gold glitter and playing card toppers.
- Chill cake for 1 hour before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 450 kcal | Protein: 6 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 58 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cake Boss Buddy Makes a Vegas Themed Cake”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A dazzling Vegas-themed cake inspired by the glitz and glamour of the Strip. This layered cake features bold flavors and vibrant decorations perfect for any celebration.”, “prepTime”: “PT30M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H15M”, “recipeYield”: “12 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour”, “2 1/2 tsp baking powder”, “1/2 tsp salt”, “1 cup unsalted butter, softened”, “2 cups granulated sugar”, “4 large eggs”, “1 cup whole milk”, “2 tsp vanilla extract”, “Red, yellow, and blue gel food coloring”, “1 cup heavy whipping cream”, “1/2 cup powdered sugar”, “Edible gold glitter and playing card decorations”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F (175\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt together.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in vanilla extract.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Divide batter into three bowls and tint with red, yellow, and blue food coloring.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour each colored batter into separate pans and bake for 40-45 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Let cakes cool completely, then layer with whipped cream frosting.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Decorate with edible gold glitter and playing card toppers.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Chill cake for 1 hour before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “450 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “22 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “58 g”}}