# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Buttercream Frosting
09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
10 - 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
12 - 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
13 - Gel food coloring in floral shades
→ Decoration
14 - Edible gold leaf or gold sprinkles
15 - Piping bags and assorted piping tips
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
03 - Beat butter and sugar in mixer bowl until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Add flour mixture and milk in three alternating batches, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Distribute batter evenly among prepared pans and smooth the tops.
07 - Bake for 28-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
09 - Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well throughout.
10 - Mix in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons cream, adding more as needed for desired consistency. Beat until fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
11 - Divide buttercream into separate bowls and tint each portion with gel food coloring for floral designs.
12 - Level cooled cakes if necessary. Place first layer on serving plate, spread buttercream layer, and repeat with remaining layers.
13 - Spread a thin crumb coat over entire cake and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
14 - Apply a smooth final coat of buttercream to the entire cake.
15 - Using colored buttercream and piping tips, pipe floral motifs, leaves, and vines around the cake.
16 - Apply Taurus symbol or graduation cap accent using edible gold leaf or gold sprinkles as desired.
17 - Refrigerate until ready to serve. Allow cake to reach room temperature before slicing.
