# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Cake
01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 1 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ Ocean Galaxy Buttercream
09 - 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 1/4 cup whole milk
12 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 - Gel food coloring: navy blue, teal, purple, turquoise, white
14 - Edible glitter or white sprinkles for garnish
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Alternately add dry ingredients and milk to butter mixture, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
06 - Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Smooth tops and bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well. Add vanilla and milk; beat until smooth and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
09 - Divide buttercream into 4-5 bowls. Tint each portion with gel food coloring to create navy, teal, purple, turquoise variations, and leave one white.
10 - Place random dollops of each colored buttercream onto cooled cake layers. Use an offset spatula to swirl colors together for a marbled galaxy effect.
11 - Decorate with edible glitter or white sprinkles to create a starry appearance.
12 - Refrigerate the cake for at least 30 minutes before slicing for clean, defined layers.
