Image by Brooke Lark

Mimosa cake

Mimosa Cake is a delightful French pastry that has been gracing the tables of connoisseurs of sweet treats since the early 19th century. Its name hails from the Latin word ‘mimos,’ which means flower, as this cake disappears quickly like its namesake. However, with the proper technique and dedication, one can gain a truly ambrosial experience while savoring this delicacy.

Mimosa cake


Mimosa Cake is a light, fluffy, and zingy creation born out of layers of chiffon cake soaked in an orange syrup, coated with butter cream, and lavished with crunchy bits of candied orange peel for the finishing touch. In order to achieve a masterful result, the ingredient mixtures must be carefully crafted and the stacking of the cake needs to be done with meticulous precision.

To make this delectable cake, bakers begin with the batter for a chiffon cake. This consists of a mixture of egg whites, egg yolks, butter, sugar, and flour. After carefully separating and adding these ingredients, the baker needs to be particularly attentive to the consistency of the batter and the time it takes to bake. The baking time should be short enough to preserve the light and airy texture of the pastry, yet long enough to ensure that the chiffon cake properly fluffs up.

Once the layers are freshly baked, the cake is generously brushed with orange syrup. This mixture of orange juice, sugar, and oil creates a mellifluous coating that will add sweetness and tenderness to the cake. Additionally, the buttercream is prepared by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, and fresh orange zest, offering a delectable creamy texture and heavenly citrus aroma.

Finally, the Mimosa Cake is completed with crunchy bits of candied orange peel which not only offers a vibrant visual presentation, but also a surprisingly delightful contrast of textures and flavors. When all of the steps are followed with a thoughtful attention to detail, the Mimosa Cakebecomes a smooth and luxurious indulgence.

Those seeking a sublime confectionary can find solace in this timeless French classic. Between its bright hues, lush aromas and delicate tastes, the Mimosa Cake is a perfect blend of flavors that can bring nothing but gastronomic satisfaction.

Mimosa Cake is often thought to be a sophisticated treat - one that requires a great deal of technique and expertise. Yet, with a bit of guidance, patience and practice, anyone can experience the joy of making and devouring this wonderful pastry.

The origin of Mimosa cake

The delectable Mimosa cake has become a staple at weddings and birthdays alike, its cheerful yellow hue and light delicacy making it an ideal treat. To fully appreciate this sweet confection, one must go back to the roots of its origin, to discover the creative genius of the past that created such a brilliant culinary masterpiece.

The Mimosa cake, believed to have come from France in the late 1800s, was likely a product of the melding of French and Italian cuisine, two ancient and powerful forces of food. The creamy white center, made up of two layers of custard and a thicker layer of meringue, is thought to be inspired by French desserts, while the outside coating of sponge cake with a yellow layer of Italian buttercream is thought to be a nod to Italian pastries.

The story behind the name 'Mimosa' is a bit more complicated. Though some believe it to be named after the spring flower, others suggest the name originated from the Latin word 'mimus,' meaning mimic or impersonator. It is said the cake mimicked other classic French pastries, namely the Charlotte royale and Génoise, but with a lighter airy center and eye-catching exterior.

No matter what the original story behind Mimosa cake was, it is sure to remain a beloved treat for years to come. Its distinct taste, delicate texture, and stunning presentation makes it an ideal addition to any celebration, a fact that both the French and Italians can agree upon. With its captivating history and mouth-watering taste, Mimosa cake is sure to be a classic favorite.

FAQs about Mimosa cake

How long to bake a cake?

The length of time to bake a cake depends on the size and recipe you are using. Generally speaking, a standard 9-inch round cake should be baked in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30–35 minutes.


What is champagne cake made of?

Champagne cake is usually made with a white, buttery cake as the base. It typically includes champagne or sparkling wine in the batter and/or syrup, and may also include vanilla extract, almond extract, and/or other flavors. It's often topped with a Champagne frosting, which includes powdered sugar, butter, and Champagne.


What is mimosa cake made of?

Mimosa cake is a traditional Italian sponge cake made with layers of creamy custard and zest of orange. It is usually coated with a thin layer of frosting, chocolate shavings, and sprinkles before serving.


Types of Mimosa cake

Mimosa cake is a decadent, delightful and delectable dessert that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. It’s a classic French cake that has made its way around the world and taken on various guises. Whether you’re partial to the traditional version, the citrusy American adaptation or the egg-laden Italian take, Mimosa cake promises an edible experience like no other.

At its core, Mimosa cake is composed of sponge layers that are interspersed with cream or jam fillings, usually in an alternating pattern. This delectable feast is then dusted with icing sugar, glazed with apricot jam and adorned with delicate curves of angelica and slices of tinned or sugared fruits. The presentation is as beautiful as it is ornate – in fact, some believe it was the very sight of this cake that gave it its name, since its shape resembles that of the iconic mimosa flower.

The original Mimosa cake is usually a simple vanilla spongecake filled with orange cream or alternatively, caramel or chocolate. In Italy, the cake is typically made with chestnut purée and offset with a layer of whipped cream. In France, the classic recipe for Mimosa cake includes two layers of white cake, each slathered with marmalade and filled with custard cream. The final cake is adorned with a generous heap of liqueur-soaked cherries and topped off with a coating of meringue frosting.

In the United States, Mimosa cake recipes often include Mandarin orange segments, crushed pineapple and filled with a citrus-infused cream filling. Alternatively, a custard, cream cheese and whipped cream blend may be used. American versions of the cake often employ a butter cake or pound cake base and are sometimes enhanced with the addition of an almond flavor.

The Italian take on the Mimosa cake is known as Torta Mimosa di Pasqua and is usually made with four to five layers of shortcrust pastry filled with sweetened ricotta cheese and thickly sliced hard boiled eggs. To finish, the cake is usually decorated with cubes of candied fruit and/or colorful sprinkles.

No matter which version of the Mimosa cake appeals to you most, one thing is certain: all these delightful desserts look too good to eat. So be sure to take a photo of your masterpiece before tucking into the deliciousness!