Most Beautiful Mickey Mouse Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting:

• 2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A pinch of salt
• Gel food coloring (black, red, yellow)

For Decoration:

• Fondant (black, red, yellow)
• Edible markers

Calories (approximate): (Note: Caloric values may vary based on specific ingredients and quantities used)

Preparation Steps:

For the Cake:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients.

Step 6: Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 7: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.

Step 8: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

For the Buttercream Frosting:

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy.

Step 2: Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.

Step 3: Separate a portion of the frosting and tint it with black gel food coloring. Tint the remaining frosting with red and yellow as needed.

Assembling and Decorating:

Step 1: Level the cooled cakes if necessary.

Step 2: Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of red frosting on top.

Step 3: Stack the second cake layer on top and cover the entire cake with a thin layer of frosting (crumb coat).

Step 4: Chill the cake for 20-30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

Step 5: Once set, frost the cake with a generous layer of red frosting, smoothing it as much as possible.

Step 6: Use black frosting to pipe Mickey Mouse's iconic ears on top of the cake.

Step 7: Roll out black fondant and cut out Mickey Mouse's facial features (eyes, nose, mouth).

Step 8: Roll out red fondant and cut out Mickey Mouse's pants.

Step 9: Roll out yellow fondant and cut out Mickey Mouse's buttons.

Step 10: Place the fondant pieces on the cake to recreate Mickey Mouse's face and outfit.

Step 11: Use edible markers to add details and features to Mickey Mouse's face.

Step 12: Optional: Add additional decorations or a personalized message.

Step 13: Serve and watch everyone marvel at the "Most Beautiful Mickey Mouse Cake"!

This delightful cake is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect centerpiece for any celebration.