Floral Hot Pink Stencil Cake

🧾 Ingredients

For the Vanilla Cake (3 x 6-inch or 2 x 8-inch layers):

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¾ cups (350g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk or buttermilk

For the Hot Pink Buttercream:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened
• 5 cups (600g) powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk or cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• Hot pink gel food coloring (add a tiny touch of red for vibrancy)

For the Floral Stencil Design:

• Stencil (floral or lace pattern; food-safe plastic or silicone)
• White or gold royal icing, buttercream, or edible paint
• Offset spatula or small scraper

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Make the Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line your pans.
2. In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
5. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk. Mix until smooth.
6. Divide batter and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Let cool completely.

2. Make the Hot Pink Buttercream:

1. Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.
2. Mix in vanilla and milk until smooth and spreadable.
3. Tint with hot pink food coloring until the desired brightness is reached.

3. Assemble and Crumb Coat:

1. Layer and stack the cakes with buttercream between.
2. Apply a thin crumb coat all around the cake and chill for 15–30 minutes.
3. Apply a smooth final layer of hot pink buttercream. Chill again to firm.

4. Apply the Stencil Design:

1. Place your floral stencil flat against the chilled buttercream cake.
2. Use white or gold royal icing (or thick buttercream) and spread over the stencil using an offset spatula.
3. Carefully peel off the stencil. Clean and repeat around the cake.
   • For edible paint, use a food-safe sponge or brush instead.
4. Let the design dry or firm up.

5. Optional Decor:

• Add fresh or sugar flowers to the top or sides
• Pipe buttercream rosettes in pinks and whites
• Dust with edible glitter or pearl dust for shimmer