📖 Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
2. Prepare the Cake Pans: Grease and flour three 6-inch cake pans. I like to use baking spray with flour already in it for convenience, but the old-fashioned method works just as well!
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) of unsalted butter (softened) and 2 cups of granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer. Scrape down the sides of the bowl periodically to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in 4 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next to maintain a smooth batter.
5. Incorporate Vanilla Extract: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. This enhances the overall flavor profile of the cake, adding a touch of warmth.
6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. This ensures the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
7. Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with 1 cup of milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in a tough cake.
8. Divide and Color the Batter: Divide the batter evenly into three bowls. Tint each bowl with gel food coloring to achieve different shades of blue, purple, and pink to represent the galaxy colors. Add food coloring gradually, mixing until you reach your desired intensity. Remember, a little goes a long way!
9. Bake the Cakes: Pour each colored batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the tops of the cakes start to brown too quickly, you can tent them loosely with foil.
10. Cool the Cakes: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely. Make sure the cakes are completely cool before frosting; otherwise, the frosting will melt.
11. Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) of unsalted butter (softened) until smooth and creamy. Gradually add 6 cups of powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and spreadable.
12. Color the Frosting: Divide the frosting into three bowls. Tint each bowl with the same gel food coloring used for the cake batter to create matching shades of blue, purple, and pink.
13. Assemble the Cake: Place one cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Spread a generous layer of frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining cake layers, stacking them on top of each other. Frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat to seal in any loose crumbs. Chill the cake in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the crumb coat to set.
14. Final Frosting and Decorations: Apply the final layer of frosting to the cake. Swirl the different colors together for a galaxy effect. Decorate with edible glitter, star sprinkles, and silver dragees to create a cosmic look. Get creative with your decorations! You can even add fondant planets or sugar crystals to enhance the galaxy theme.
15. Chill and Serve: Chill the cake for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the frosting to firm up. This makes it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your Cosmic Achievement Cake!