Llama Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake (Vanilla Sponge)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup whole milk

For the Buttercream Frosting (for fur & decorations)

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2–4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
• Food coloring: white, cream, pastel pink, brown (optional)

For Decorations

• Fondant or modeling chocolate (for ears, eyes, nose, flower crown)
• Edible markers or gel food coloring (for facial details)
• Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
2. Sift flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 2: Make Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat softened butter on medium speed until creamy (about 2 minutes).
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add vanilla extract.
4. Add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the frosting reaches a spreadable consistency.
5. Beat on high for 3 minutes to make it fluffy.
6. Divide frosting into portions and add food coloring for fur and decorations as desired.

Step 3: Assemble and Decorate

1. Level the cooled cakes if necessary.
2. Spread a layer of buttercream on the first cake layer, then place the second cake layer on top.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream all over the cake and chill for 15 minutes.
4. Using the main fur color (white or cream), pipe small rosettes or stars all over the cake to mimic llama fur using a star piping tip.
5. Shape ears, eyes, nose, and other details from fondant or modeling chocolate; attach gently with a dab of buttercream.
6. Create a flower crown or other decorations with colored fondant or piped buttercream flowers.
7. Add final touches like edible glitter or sprinkles if you like.