# What You’ll 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 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 vanilla extract
12 - 3–4 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Decorations
14 - Edible gold foil sheets
15 - 1 diploma-shaped cake topper (fondant or paper)
16 - Sprinkles or star confetti, optional
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 9-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes using an electric mixer.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix just until combined.
06 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Smooth the tops with an offset spatula.
07 - Bake for 28 to 32 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
08 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto cooling racks to cool completely.
09 - Beat butter on high speed until creamy and pale, about 3 minutes. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract, salt, and enough whole milk or heavy cream to reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.
10 - Level cooled cakes if needed. Place one layer on a serving plate and spread a thick layer of buttercream on top. Place the second layer over it.
11 - Spread a thin layer of buttercream around the cake as a crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
12 - Frost the cake smoothly with the remaining buttercream.
13 - Using tweezers, gently apply edible gold foil sheets to the desired areas for a luxurious finish.
14 - Place the diploma-shaped topper at the center or side of the cake. Add sprinkles or star confetti if desired.
15 - Chill briefly to set the decorations, then serve at room temperature.
