Elmo Birthday Cake

This delightful Elmo Birthday Cake combines classic vanilla and chocolate flavors, adorned with vibrant red buttercream and playful decorations to capture the spirit of a beloved character. The cake is soft and moist, making it perfect for celebrating a special day. With its sweet frosting and fun design, it’s sure to be a hit at any birthday party while adhering to traditional baking principles.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup cocoa powder
• Red food coloring
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Sprinkles (for decoration)
• Black fondant (for eyes and mouth)
• White fondant (for eyes)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Mix until smooth.
6. Divide the batter evenly between the two pans. For one pan, add red food coloring to create a vibrant red batter. Leave the other as is for a chocolate layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
9. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting by beating together the softened butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy. Add additional red food coloring if desired.
10. Once the cakes are completely cool, place the chocolate layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting on top, then place the red layer on top of that.
11. Frost the top and sides of the cake with the red buttercream frosting.
12. Use black and white fondant to create Elmo's eyes and mouth, and decorate with sprinkles to add a fun touch.