Ingredients:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • Edible flowers (like pansies, roses, or violets) for decoration
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for the buttercream frosting)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (or milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the buttercream frosting)
  • Food coloring (optional, for coloring the frosting)
  • Additional edible flowers for decoration
  • Gold or silver edible glitter (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes).
  4. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the whole milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans. Smooth the tops with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed until combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is fluffy. If desired, add food coloring to achieve your preferred tint.
  9. Once the cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream frosting over the top. Add the second layer on top, and frost the top and sides of the cake.
  10. Carefully place the edible flowers on top and around the sides of the cake to create a beautiful floral design. If desired, sprinkle with edible glitter for an extra festive touch.