Sylvia Weinstock Recipes for Stunning Cakes and Desserts

Updated On: October 16, 2025

If you’re a fan of stunning cakes that taste as beautiful as they look, then Sylvia Weinstock recipes are an absolute treasure trove to explore. Sylvia Weinstock, often hailed as the “Queen of Cakes,” has transformed the art of cake making into a breathtaking experience.

Known for her elaborate floral designs and flawless craftsmanship, her recipes go beyond mere desserts—they’re edible works of art. Whether you’re an aspiring baker or a seasoned pro, diving into Sylvia’s recipes offers a chance to elevate your baking skills and wow your guests with elegance and flavor.

From delicate sponge cakes to rich buttercream frostings, her recipes bring a perfect blend of classic techniques and innovative touches that make each creation truly unforgettable.

In this post, we’ll explore a few of Sylvia Weinstock’s most iconic recipes, unpack the essential ingredients and equipment you’ll need, and guide you through every step to help you create cakes that are as impressive as they are delicious.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and serving suggestions to customize these masterpieces to your taste. Ready to bake like a pro?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sylvia Weinstock’s recipes are beloved for their combination of exquisite taste and visual splendor. Her cakes are not only delicious but also crafted with attention to detail that transforms each dessert into an event centerpiece.

Using high-quality ingredients and classic baking techniques, her recipes guarantee moist, flavorful cakes that pair beautifully with smooth, creamy frostings.

What sets her recipes apart is their versatility. Whether you’re baking a wedding cake or a special birthday treat, Sylvia’s recipes provide a sturdy, yet tender, base that holds up to intricate decorations and multiple layers.

Plus, her buttercream frosting recipe is famously silky and easy to work with, perfect for both beginners and experts aiming for that flawless finish.

If you want to impress friends and family with a bakery-worthy cake, Sylvia Weinstock’s recipes offer the perfect roadmap. You’ll love the balance of traditional flavors and the creative freedom to personalize your cake with unique embellishments.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cake flour (preferably sifted)
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 5 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • For Buttercream Frosting:
    • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened
    • 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
    • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream
    • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
    • Pinch of salt

Equipment

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment
  • Mixing bowls of various sizes
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • 9-inch round cake pans (at least 3)
  • Electric hand mixer (optional for frosting)
  • Offset spatula for frosting
  • Cake turntable for easy decorating
  • Parchment paper for lining pans
  • Cooling racks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper to ensure easy release.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together cake flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In your stand mixer bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to fully incorporate.
  5. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
  7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
  8. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
  10. Prepare the buttercream frosting: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream, until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
  11. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then beat for an additional 2 minutes until fluffy.
  12. Level the cakes if necessary, then stack them with a generous layer of buttercream between each layer.
  13. Crumb coat the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting and chill for 20 minutes.
  14. Apply the final layer of frosting smoothly using an offset spatula and decorate as desired.

Tips & Variations

“Sylvia always said, ‘The key to a perfect cake is patience and precision.’ Don’t rush the cooling or frosting steps for the best results.”

  • For a lighter cake, try substituting 1 cup of cake flour with cornstarch to create a tender crumb.
  • Flavor variations: Add lemon zest or almond extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
  • Use food coloring to tint your buttercream for themed cakes or seasonal celebrations.
  • Try decorating with fresh edible flowers or piped buttercream roses for that signature Sylvia Weinstock look.
  • To make a chocolate version, replace 1 cup of flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 slice)
Calories 420 kcal
Total Fat 22g
Saturated Fat 13g
Cholesterol 95mg
Sodium 210mg
Total Carbohydrates 52g
Dietary Fiber 1g
Sugars 38g
Protein 4g

Serving Suggestions

Sylvia Weinstock cakes are perfect for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries. Serve slices with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a light tea to balance the richness.

You can also pair the cake with fresh berries or a drizzle of fruit coulis for a refreshing contrast.

For an elegant dessert platter, accompany the cake with delicate macarons, or try serving alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re hosting a brunch, this cake makes a delightful centerpiece and pairs beautifully with mimosa cocktails or sparkling lemonade.

Conclusion

Sylvia Weinstock’s recipes offer more than just a cake—they provide a gateway to creating edible art that brings joy and elegance to any event. With her precise techniques and rich flavors, you can confidently bake show-stopping cakes that impress both in taste and appearance.

Whether you follow her classic vanilla cake and buttercream recipe or experiment with flavors and decorations, the result is always a masterpiece worthy of celebration.

By investing a little extra care and patience, you’ll find baking Sylvia’s recipes deeply rewarding and deliciously satisfying. For other inspiring and wholesome recipes, be sure to check out our Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide, Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals, and Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas.

Happy baking!

📖 Recipe Card: Sylvia Weinstock Classic Vanilla Wedding Cake

Description: A moist and fluffy vanilla cake layered with rich buttercream frosting. This elegant cake is perfect for weddings and special occasions.

Prep Time: PT30M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT1H10M

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cake flour
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 5 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 batch Swiss meringue buttercream (about 4 cups)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour three 8-inch cake pans.
  3. Whisk together cake flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  5. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
  6. Alternate adding flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour.
  7. Divide batter evenly among pans and bake for 35-40 minutes.
  8. Cool cakes completely before frosting.
  9. Layer cakes with Swiss meringue buttercream and frost entire cake smoothly.

Nutrition: Calories: 450 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Carbs: 50g

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Marta K

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