Base Cake Preparation
1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line round cake pans in various sizes to create the castle tiers.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key for creating a soft, airy cake texture.
4. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
5. Combine wet and dry: Alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until smooth and lump-free.
6. Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely: Allow cakes to cool in their pans briefly, then turn out onto wire racks and cool completely before assembling. Chilled or fully cooled cakes are easier to stack and decorate.
Castle Assembly
Stack and Fill
Place the largest cake layer on your serving board. Spread an even layer of buttercream on top, then stack the next smallest layer. Continue stacking from largest to smallest, using buttercream between each layer. Once stacked, chill the cake to firm it up and stabilize the structure.
Crumb Coat
Apply a thin crumb coat of buttercream over the entire cake to seal in crumbs and create a smooth base for the fondant. Chill again until set.
Decorating the Winter Castle
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