Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
  • 1.5 tsp baking powder
  • 0.5 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1.5 cups (300g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, room temperature, cubed
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat buttermilk
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 tsp almond extract
  • 2 cups (450g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 5 cups (625g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 0.25 cup (60ml) heavy cream
  • 1 drop sky blue gel food coloring
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, toasted
  • 1 bag (approx. 280g) malted milk easter eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your three 8 inch pans.
  2. Whisk the 3 cups of flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl until combined. Note: This ensures no one gets a clump of baking soda in their slice.
  3. In your stand mixer, beat the 1 cup of butter and 1.5 cups of sugar on medium high until pale and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each. Note: Scraping the bowl after each egg ensures a uniform texture. Stir in the 2 tsp vanilla and 0.5 tsp almond extract.
  4. Turn the mixer to low. Add one third of the flour mixture, then half of the 1 cup buttermilk. Repeat, ending with the flour. Mix only until a few streaks remain. Note: Overmixing at this stage creates a tough, rubbery cake. Divide the batter evenly between the pans.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The tops should be golden and spring back when lightly touched. Let them cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks. They must be completely cold before frosting.
  6. Beat the 2 cups of softened butter for 5 minutes until it looks almost white. Gradually add the 5 cups of powdered sugar, the heavy cream, and a pinch of salt. Add the sky blue gel coloring one drop at a time until you reach a soft pastel. If you love this base, it’s very similar to my favorite [Yellow Cake Recipe](https://tastedessert.com/recipes/classic-moist-yellow-cake-from-scratch/).
  7. Mix the 1 tbsp cocoa and 2 tsp vanilla in a small bowl to form a paint. Once the cake is frosted, dip your brush into the mixture. Use your finger to flick the bristles toward the cake, creating speckles. Top with toasted coconut and the malted eggs. Note: Do the speckling inside the sink or a large box to contain the mess!