When I made this cake for my sister’s birthday, I wanted something elegant but super low-stress. I didn’t have time for piping flowers or shaping fondant — so I popped store-bought macarons on top and called it a day. And you know what? Everyone loved it. Proof that simple can still feel special! 

Ingredients:

• • For the Cake:

    • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

    • 2 ½ tsp baking powder

    • ½ tsp salt

    • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

    • 1 ¾ cups sugar

    • 4 eggs

    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

    • 1 cup milk

    Shortcut option: Use 1–2 boxes of white or vanilla cake mix!

    For the Frosting:

    • 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, softened

    • 5 cups powdered sugar

    • 2–3 tbsp milk or cream

    • 1 tbsp vanilla extract

    • Pinch of salt

    Decorations:

    • 10–12 colorful macarons (store-bought or homemade)

    • Optional: edible glitter or gold leaf for extra flair

  Step-by-Step Instructions: 

   

•  

•  1. Bake the Cake:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

  2. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans.

  3. In one bowl, mix together:

     • 2½ cups flour

     • 2½ tsp baking powder

     • ½ tsp salt

  4. In a large bowl, beat:

     • 1 cup softened butter

     • 1¾ cups sugar
       (Mix until light and fluffy)

  5. Add in 4 eggs, one at a time.

  6. Stir in 1 tbsp vanilla extract.

  7. Slowly mix in the flour mix and 1 cup milk, taking turns (a little at a time).

  8. Pour the batter into the pans evenly.

  9. Bake for 25–30 minutes.

  10. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

   

•  

• 2. Make the Vanilla Frosting:

  1. In a bowl, beat 1½ cups softened butter until creamy.

  2. Slowly add 5 cups powdered sugar (a little at a time).

  3. Add:

     • 1 tbsp vanilla

     • 2–3 tbsp milk

     • A pinch of salt

  4. Beat until the frosting is fluffy and smooth.

   

•  

•  3. Frost the Cake:

  1. Place the first cake layer on a plate or cake stand.

  2. Spread some frosting on top.

  3. Add the second layer.

  4. Cover the whole cake with frosting — top and sides.

  5. Smooth it out with a spatula or spoon. Keep it clean and simple — no need for fancy designs!

   

•  

• 4. Add the Macaron Crown:

  1. Take 10–12 colorful macarons (store-bought is totally fine!).

  2. Gently press them around the top edge of the cake in a circle.

  3. Space them out evenly to make a "crown."

  4. (Optional) Sprinkle on edible glitter or gold leaf to make it sparkle.

   

•  

• Nutrition (Per Slice – Approximate):

  • Calories: 430

  • Protein: 3g

  • Carbs: 55g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Sugar: 46g

  • Fiber: 0.5g