Preheat & Prepare Pans:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease two 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.

Mix Dry Ingredients:

• In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy (about 3–5 minutes).
• Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Combine Batter:

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Bake the Cake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans.*
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
• •  
• Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream:

• In a clean bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Mix in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue beating until the frosting is smooth and reaches a spreadable consistency.
• (Optional: Mix in a few drops of food coloring for a subtle themed tint.)

Assemble & Crumb Coat:

• Once the cakes are completely cooled, level the tops if necessary.
• Place one cake layer on your serving plate and spread an even layer of buttercream on top.
• Place the second cake layer on top and apply a thin “crumb coat” over the entire cake. Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to set.
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• Final Frosting & Decoration:

  • Apply a final, smooth coat of buttercream over the cake.
  • Roll out the white fondant to a size that can cover your cake entirely. Drape it carefully over the cake and smooth out any air bubbles.
  • Using black and pink/red fondant, cut out and shape Hello Kitty’s iconic features such as the eyes, whiskers, nose, and signature bow.
  • Place these decorative elements artfully on the cake surface. Use edible markers or a small brush with food coloring to add fine details if desired.

  Finishing Touches:

  • Allow the decorated cake to set for at least 30 minutes before serving to ensure the fondant adheres properly.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy your adorable Hello Kitty-themed treat!