Candy birthday cake for Nani

Ingredients

For the sponge

• 250 g all-purpose flour
• 8 g baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 225 g butter, at room temperature
• 300 g sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 240 ml whole milk

For the buttercream

• 360 g powdered sugar
• 225 g butter, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 or 3 tablespoons heavy cream

To decorate

• Assorted candy: gummies, lollipops, chocolate candies and colored sprinkles

Step-by-step preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 175 °C. Grease and flour two 23 cm cake pans.
2. In a bowl, mix the flour, baking powder and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the butter with the sugar until pale and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating after each one, then the vanilla.
5. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, alternating with the milk, mixing just enough to combine.
6. Divide the batter between the two pans.
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let the sponge layers cool completely.
9. For the buttercream, beat the butter with the powdered sugar until white and fluffy.
10. Add the vanilla and cream and beat until smooth and creamy.
11. Place one sponge layer on a plate and cover it with a layer of buttercream.
12. Put the second layer on top and cover the whole cake with the rest of the buttercream.
13. Decorate with the candy however you like: around the sides, on top or in a pattern.
14. Serve and enjoy.