Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Bake the Layers
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line three 8‑inch round cake pans.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add eggs one by one, then vanilla.
- Alternately add flour mixture and milk, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until smooth.
- Divide evenly among pans. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes, then transfer to racks.
Step 2: Prepare the Buttercream
- Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with cream, until smooth.
- Add vanilla and continue beating until light and fluffy.
- Divide frosting into 4 bowls and tint each a pastel color: pink, lavender, mint, and light blue.
Step 3: Assemble & Frost
- Place first cake layer on a plate. Spread light frosting over the top. Add the second layer and frost evenly. Repeat with the third layer.
- Frost the sides and top with a smooth, neutral-colored base (e.g., uncolored or white).
- Use small offset spatula or piping bag to pipe pastel stripes or blobs on top, blending slightly into the base icing for a watercolor effect.
- Add sanding sugar for shimmer and sprinkle on edible pearls or confetti.
Step 4: Decorate
- Place a small Jellycat plush (e.g., bunny or bear) gently on top as a cake topper. Use ribbon/puff to secure if serving to kids.
Notes
🥄 Variations
Flavor Swap: Use almond or lemon extract in frosting. Color Theme: Match the palette to the plush or party theme. Mini Cakes: Make 6‑inch tiered versions for smaller gatherings. Printable Scenes: Add fondant clouds or tiny bunting for photo props. Chocolate Version: Substitute chocolate milk and cocoa in the batter. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered in a cool spot for up to 2 days. Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving. Freezer: Wrap tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Transport Tip: Keep plush topper separate during transit to prevent damage. ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I bake this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Is heavy cream necessary?
It helps lighten and stabilize the frosting, but milk works in a pinch. Can I use fresh fruit?
Bland fruits like strawberry slices can be placed around the base, but avoid them inside—it’ll affect structure. What if I don’t have pastel gel colors?
Use liquid food dye but apply sparingly—it’s more diluted. Can I freeze the cakes before frosting?
Sure! Chill layers first to prevent crumbs, then frost. Is it safe to use steps?
Make sure the frosting is firm set (chilled) before adding plush topper. Can kids help decorate?
Definitely! Have them pipe blobs or add confetti pearls. Can I use canned frosting?
It’ll work, though homemade is smoother and more cohesive for colors. How do I prevent frosting domes?
Use an ‘icing collar’ or round templates to apply even layers. Can I use a Jellycat plush in the party theme later?
Absolutely! Save it as a keepsake—it keeps the memory alive. 🏁 Conclusion
This Jellycat Birthday Cake blends charm, sweetness, and creative flair into a delightful celebration centerpiece. With soft layers, pastel-style buttercream, and a playful plush topper, it’s the perfect way to bring joy to birthdays—especially for fans of cuddly cuteness!
Flavor Swap: Use almond or lemon extract in frosting. Color Theme: Match the palette to the plush or party theme. Mini Cakes: Make 6‑inch tiered versions for smaller gatherings. Printable Scenes: Add fondant clouds or tiny bunting for photo props. Chocolate Version: Substitute chocolate milk and cocoa in the batter. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Room Temp: Store covered in a cool spot for up to 2 days. Refrigerator: Keeps up to 5 days—bring to room temp before serving. Freezer: Wrap tightly; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Transport Tip: Keep plush topper separate during transit to prevent damage. ❓ 10 FAQs
Can I bake this gluten-free?
Yes—use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Is heavy cream necessary?
It helps lighten and stabilize the frosting, but milk works in a pinch. Can I use fresh fruit?
Bland fruits like strawberry slices can be placed around the base, but avoid them inside—it’ll affect structure. What if I don’t have pastel gel colors?
Use liquid food dye but apply sparingly—it’s more diluted. Can I freeze the cakes before frosting?
Sure! Chill layers first to prevent crumbs, then frost. Is it safe to use steps?
Make sure the frosting is firm set (chilled) before adding plush topper. Can kids help decorate?
Definitely! Have them pipe blobs or add confetti pearls. Can I use canned frosting?
It’ll work, though homemade is smoother and more cohesive for colors. How do I prevent frosting domes?
Use an ‘icing collar’ or round templates to apply even layers. Can I use a Jellycat plush in the party theme later?
Absolutely! Save it as a keepsake—it keeps the memory alive. 🏁 Conclusion
This Jellycat Birthday Cake blends charm, sweetness, and creative flair into a delightful celebration centerpiece. With soft layers, pastel-style buttercream, and a playful plush topper, it’s the perfect way to bring joy to birthdays—especially for fans of cuddly cuteness!