Ingredients

  • 500 milliliters egg whites
  • 800 grams granulated sugar
  • 900 grams unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 250 grams white chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 250 grams dark chocolate, melted and cooled
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons sweet ancho chile pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 sticks butter
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups sifted all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method

  • Combine the egg whites and sugar in a stand mixer bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Place bowl over simmering water while whisking regularly until the mixture reaches 140 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer and the sugar is completely dissolved.
  • Remove bowl from heat and whip the mixture at medium to high speed until the meringue has cooled almost completely.
  • Slowly add the room temperature butter piece by piece until the buttercream takes on a cottage cheese consistency.
  • Add the melted cooled chocolates, spices, and vanilla until incorporated and smooth.
  • Cinnamon Vanilla Cake:
  • Cream the butter in a stand mixer until smooth and light.
  • Add sugar and continue to mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.
  • Add 1 egg at a time, beating well after each addition.
  • In a medium bowl sift together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Combine milk and vanilla.
  • Add portions of the flour mixture and milk mixture to the electric mixer, alternating, starting and ending with flour.
  • Pour evenly into 2 buttered and floured 9-inch cake pans.
  • Bake for 40 minutes or until golden - cake should pull away from the side and spring back to the touch.
  • Frost cake and decorate as desired.