Rosette Cake

#### Instructions:

**1. Bake the Cake:**
– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans, or line the bottoms with parchment paper for easy removal.
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
– In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
– Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and smooth the tops.
– Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**2. Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:**
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the buttercream frosting. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy (about 3 minutes).
– Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Once all the sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and beat until smooth and fluffy.
– Add the vanilla extract, heavy cream (or milk), and a pinch of salt. Beat for another 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is light and airy.
– If you wish to add color to your rosettes, divide the frosting into separate bowls and tint with food coloring. You can create different colors for a multi-toned rosette design.

**3. Assemble the Cake:**
– Once the cakes have completely cooled, use a serrated knife to level the tops of each cake, creating flat, even layers.
– Place one layer of the cake on a serving plate or cake board. Spread a thin layer of buttercream frosting over the top.
– Place the second layer of cake on top and lightly frost the top and sides of the entire cake with a crumb coat (a thin layer of frosting to seal in crumbs). Chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the crumb coat.

**4. Pipe the Rosettes:**
– Once the cake is chilled and the crumb coat is set, fill a piping bag fitted with a large star tip (such as the Wilton 1M or 2D tip) with the prepared buttercream frosting.
– To create the rosettes, start in the center of the cake and pipe a small swirl in a clockwise motion, gradually increasing the size as you move outward in a spiral pattern. You can do this all over the cake or just on the top, depending on your design.
– Continue piping rosettes, overlapping them slightly, until the top of the cake is covered. You can also pipe rosettes around the base of the cake, depending on your preference.

**5. Final Touches:**
– If desired, you can add additional decorations like edible pearls, sprinkles, or sugar flowers to enhance the elegance of the cake.
– Chill the cake for about 30 minutes to firm up the buttercream before serving.

#### Tips for Success:
– **Consistency of Buttercream:** Make sure your buttercream is not too stiff, as it can be hard to pipe. If needed, add a teaspoon of milk at a time to adjust the consistency. The buttercream should be smooth and pipeable but not runny.
– **Piping Practice:** If you’re new to piping, practice making rosettes on a piece of parchment paper before working on your cake. This will help you get the motion and pressure right.
– **Flavors:** You can add different flavors to the buttercream, such as almond extract, lemon zest, or cocoa powder, to match the flavor of the cake.
– **Storage:** This cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have a hot climate, store it in the fridge to keep the buttercream fresh.

#### Why You’ll Love This Rosette Cake:
The Rosette Cake is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds! The fluffy cake layers combined with the smooth, creamy buttercream make for a delightful treat. Whether you choose to stick with classic vanilla or add a twist with flavors like chocolate or lemon, this cake will impress your guests with its beauty and taste. Plus, with its delicate rosette design, it’s perfect for any celebration, making it both a showstopper and a crowd-pleaser.

Enjoy the elegance and deliciousness of this **Rosette Cake**, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your piping!