Coles Drip Cake for Birthdays & Parties A Sweet Hit

I still recall the day I first spotted the Coles drip cake featured on a viral TikTok food hack. The video showcased a simple white cake transformed into a towering masterpiece with glossy ganache drips and vibrant buttercream swirls. I rushed to my nearest Coles store, bought the cake mix and supplies, and recreated the look in my home kitchen. The result? A stunning, Instagram-worthy dessert that stole the show at my friend’s birthday party. From that moment, Coles drip cake won a special place in my baking repertoire.

Coles drip cake has become a favourite in Australia. Its striking appearance and customizable design make it perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or any celebration. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about Coles drip cake: from its unique benefits to step-by-step instructions, creative hacks, and expert tips. Let’s dive in.

Key Benefits of Coles Drip Cake

1. Visual Impact: The signature drip adds instant wow factor. A smooth ganache or colored icing creates elegant drips down the sides, making the cake look professional.
2. Customizable Flavours: Whether you prefer chocolate drip cake, caramel drip cake, or a vanilla drip cake with pink accents, Coles drip cake can be tailored to your taste.
3. Time-Saving: Using a store-bought Coles cake base or drip cake kit saves hours of baking. You focus on decoration and presentation.
4. Affordable Celebration: You get bakery-quality cake without the premium price tag. Coles drip cake kits and ingredients offer great value.
5. Beginner-Friendly: Even novice bakers can achieve impressive results with clear instructions and simple hacks.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
• ¾ cup (180ml) milk (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tbsp white vinegar or lemon juice (activates rise)
• 2 tsp natural vanilla extract

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 200g unsalted butter (softened) or halal margarine
• 300g icing sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Food colouring (gel works best)

For the White Chocolate Ganache Drip:

• 100g white chocolate (halal-certified)
• 70ml thickened cream or coconut cream
• Optional: food colouring to match theme

For Decoration:

• sprinkles
• Fresh berries
• Mini meringues or marshmallows (check for gelatin-free)

Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

• Preheat oven to 170°C (fan) or 180°C (conventional). Grease and line 2 small cake tins.
• In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
• In a second bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, oil, milk, vinegar, and vanilla until smooth.
• Combine wet and dry mixtures until just mixed.
• Divide into pans and bake for 25–30 mins. Cool completely.

2. Make the Buttercream:

• Beat softened butter with icing sugar, vanilla, and milk until light and fluffy.
• Add gel food colouring if desired. Chill for 10 minutes before spreading.

3. Make the Drip Ganache:

• Heat cream gently (do not boil), pour over chopped white chocolate.
• Let sit 2 mins, then stir until smooth. Colour it if you like. Let cool slightly before drizzling.

4. Assemble:

• Stack cake layers with frosting in between.
• Cover the whole cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill 15 minutes.
• Apply a second, smoother layer of buttercream. Chill again.
• Drip ganache gently from a spoon or squeeze bottle along the edge. Let it drip naturally.
• Decorate with sprinkles, fruit, or meringues.

5. Serve:

• Chill for 10 mins to set the drip.
• Slice and serve at room temperature.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Coles Drip Cake Hack: For perfect drips every time, chill your buttercream-coated cake until firm. This ensures the ganache sets quickly and prevents running.
• Vegan Option: Use dairy-free cream and dark chocolate. Replace butter with coconut oil in ganache, and use vegan buttercream.
• Gluten-Free Drip Cake: Swap the Coles vanilla drip cake base with a gluten-free sponge from Coles’ bakery range.
• Layered Drip Cake: Slice the cake into two layers, add a thin layer of jam or curd, then stack and proceed with crumb coat.
• Flavour Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to buttercream for a zesty twist.
• Texture Contrast: Press crushed nuts or biscuit crumbs around the cake’s base for added crunch.
• TikTok Trend: Top with a chocolate shard or spun sugar cage for dramatic effect.

Serving Suggestions

• Tea Pairing: Serve slices with Earl Grey or jasmine tea to complement the sweet drip.
• Coffee Match: A strong espresso pairs perfectly with chocolate drip cake variants.
• Champagne or Prosecco: For adult celebrations, serve alongside bubbly to balance the sweetness.
• Fruit Side: Fresh berries or a fruit salad lighten the rich buttercream and ganache.
• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream makes a delightful accompaniment.

Common Questions

Conclusion

Coles Drip Cake

A stunning, customizable cake with glossy ganache drips and vibrant buttercream swirls, perfect for any celebration.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Celebration, Dessert

Cuisine: Australian

Calories: 320

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Base Cake

• 1 piece Coles vanilla sponge cake (pre-baked, 600g) Alternatively, use Coles chocolate sponge for a chocolate drip cake

Ganache Drip

• 200 g premium dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
• 100 ml thickened cream Use fresh cream for best texture
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Added for shine

Buttercream

• 150 g unsalted butter, softened
• 300 g pure icing sugar, sifted
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste For natural vanilla flavor
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream As needed for consistency

Natural Food Colour

• Pink: beetroot powder or freeze-dried raspberry powder
• Pastel shades: butterfly pea powder for blue, turmeric for yellow

Decoration Elements

• edible gold leaf flakes
• fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries)
• tiny meringue kisses or macarons
• sprinkles or edible glitter Optional

Method

 

Preparation

1. Remove the Coles vanilla drip cake from its packaging. Place it on a cake board or stand.
2. If the cake is domed on top, level it with a serrated knife for even layers and clean drip lines.

Make the Buttercream

1. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth and pale (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add icing sugar and vanilla paste. Keep mixing on low to avoid a sugar cloud.
3. Add milk or cream one teaspoon at a time until the buttercream reaches a pipeable consistency.
4. Divide buttercream into bowls and tint each portion with natural food colour to your liking.

Crumb Coat

1. Apply a thin layer of plain buttercream around the cake to lock in crumbs.
2. Chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Final Coat and Smoothing

1. Apply a second layer of buttercream smoothly using a bench scraper. Aim for a clean finish.
2. Chill briefly to firm the surface, ensuring perfect drip application.

Prepare Ganache Drip

1. Chop dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat cream until it just simmers. Pour over chocolate and let sit for 2 minutes.
3. Add butter and stir from the centre until the mixture is glossy and smooth.
4. Let the ganache cool to a thick, pourable consistency (around 30-35°C).

Create the Drip Effect

1. Transfer ganache to a small jug or squeeze bottle.
2. Carefully drip along the cake edge, applying pressure to create drips of various lengths.
3. Work around the cake, then fill the centre with ganache and spread gently to meet the drips.

Decorate the Top

1. Use tinted buttercream to pipe rosettes, stars, or ruffles on top.
2. Add fresh berries, meringue kisses, or macarons in the centre.
3. Apply gold leaf strategically for a luxurious touch.
4. Sprinkle edible glitter or sprinkles for extra sparkle.

Chill and Serve

1. Chill the finished cake for 20 minutes to set the decorations.
2. Serve at room temperature for best flavour and drip texture.

Notes

For perfect drips every time, chill your buttercream-coated cake until firm. This ensures the ganache sets quickly and prevents running. Variations include using dairy-free and gluten-free options.