1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
4–5 cups (480-600g) powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream or milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Pink gel food coloring
Pinch of salt
2–3 tablespoons gold pearl dragées
8–10 pink butterfly decorations
6–8 gold sphere decorations
1 Happy Birthday cake topper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes).
Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla extract.
Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.
Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
Beat butter until light and fluffy (3-4 minutes). Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream. Add vanilla and salt, beat until smooth.
Divide frosting into 3 bowls: keep largest portion white, tint second bowl medium pink, create deep pink in third bowl.
Level cake layers if needed. Place first layer on serving plate, spread buttercream between layers.
Apply thin layer of white buttercream all over cake. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
Apply white buttercream to top third, medium pink to middle third, deep pink to bottom third. Use bench scraper to blend colors together.
Use offset spatula to create wave patterns. Press gold pearl dragées randomly across surface, attach pink butterflies with buttercream dabs, place gold spheres strategically, insert Happy Birthday topper.
Notes
Use room temperature ingredients for best texture and mixing. Take eggs and milk out 30 minutes before starting.
Work quickly while creating ombre effect – if buttercream becomes too soft, refrigerate briefly. Use gel food coloring for vibrant colors without thinning frosting.
Store covered at room temperature up to 2 days. Cake actually improves in flavor overnight as vanilla notes meld together.