Vibrant Holiday Tiered Cake with Animated Characters

Ingredients

• • 2 ⅞ cups all-purpose flour
• • 2 ⅞ tsp baking powder
• • ⅞ tsp salt
• • 1 ⅞ cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
• • 3 ⅞ cups granulated sugar
• • 4 ⅞ large eggs
• • 2 ⅞ cups whole milk
• • 2 ⅞ tsp vanilla extract
• • 12 ⅞ oz semisweet chocolate (grated)
• • 4 ⅞ cups powdered sugar (for icing)
• • ⅞ cup unsalted butter (for icing)
• • 2 ⅞ tsp vanilla extract (for icing)
• • 12 ⅞ silver edible beads
• • 1 ⅞ black satin bow (food-safe)
• • Food coloring (teal, yellow, black)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a stand mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Gradually blend in flour, baking powder, and salt alternated with milk. Finish with vanilla extract.

2. 2

   Divide batter evenly among three greased 8-inch round pans. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool completely on wire racks.

3. 3

   In a large bowl, beat powdered sugar and butter until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 2-3 tbsp milk to reach desired consistency. Divide icing into three bowls and tint with teal, yellow, and black food coloring.

4. 4

   Place first cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of chocolate ganache (melted chocolate + ½ cup cream) and ½ cup buttercream. Repeat with remaining layers, finishing with a crumb coat of icing.

5. 5

   Pipe alternating teal, yellow, and black swirls around the cake. Add silver beads and a black bow at the base. Use a toothpick to create patchwork patterns on the sides with contrasting icing colors.