"This Agate Cake features gorgeous, edible candy agate slices on top of a watercolor buttercream cake! You can use any color scheme you like for the agate slices and buttercream. Note that the candy will get soft and sticky when exposed to humid air or moisture (like in the buttercream), so it’s best to add the slices to the cake shortly before displaying and serving. They can be made days in advance and kept in an airtight container until ready to use. For the Agate Candy Slices, you’ll want an assortment of hard candy in different colors and opacities. Each slice will only take an ounce or two of candy (depending on the size and thickness of the slices) but you’ll want a good variety to choose from, so I recommend buying several variety bags of candy—the dollar store is a good place to find weird and fun choices!..."
INGREDIENTS
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Assorted hard candies (about 1-2 oz per large agate slice)
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Non-stick heavy-duty foil
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Silver edible luster dust (optional)
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Vodka (optional, if you’re using the silver luster dust)
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6 oz butter (at room temperature)
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4.75 oz granulated sugar ((2/3 cup))
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5 oz brown sugar ((2/3 cup packed))
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2 eggs (at room temperature)
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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8 fl oz buttermilk ((1 cup) at room temperature)
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4 oz sour cream ((1/2 cup) at room temperature)
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2 tbsp water or coffee
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7.8 oz all-purpose flour ((1 3/4 cups))
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3 oz unsweetened cocoa powder ((1 cup))
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1 1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp salt
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6 fl oz pasteurized liquid egg whites ((3/4 cup))
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24 oz powdered sugar ((6 cups))
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1/2 tsp salt
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24 oz unsalted butter (at room temperature (6 sticks))
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2 TBSP vanilla extract
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Gel food coloring (I used Americolor Electric Purple, Violet, Sky Blue, Navy Blue, Electric Pink, and Super Red)
