# Components:
→ For the Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
04 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
07 - 4 large eggs
08 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - Zest of 1 lemon (optional)
→ For the Buttercream Frosting
11 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
13 - 2-3 tablespoons milk
14 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
15 - Food coloring gels (various colors)
→ For Silly Decorations
16 - Assorted sprinkles
17 - Mini marshmallows
18 - Candy eyes
19 - Gummy candies
20 - Chocolate chips
21 - Wafer sticks
22 - Cotton candy
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, ensuring thorough incorporation after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest, if using.
05 - Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the creamed butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour. Mix only until just combined to avoid overdevelopment.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
07 - Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
08 - Allow cakes to cool in their pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, followed by milk and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is light and fluffy. Divide frosting into separate bowls and tint each with a different food coloring gel.
10 - Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of colored frosting over the top. Position the second cake layer atop the first, and then frost the entire cake with a base color.
11 - Unleash your creativity! Use the remaining colored frosting to pipe playful designs, shapes, or swirls. Adorn with an assortment of sprinkles, candy eyes, mini marshmallows, gummy candies, wafer sticks, chocolate chips, and cotton candy as desired.
