Vanilla Cake with Vanilla Bean Buttercream - V - Alphabet Challenge

I was very excited to use Vanilla for my V dish. While it was super tasty I definitely sawI have a lot to learn about cake decorating lol. I didn't have enough eggs so my cake came out a bit short and squat. My secret to making a great cake - use box cake mix but add a little extra flavoring. Box mix makes it cheaper and easier to make. Whether you use box cake mix or make the cake from scratch, I highly recommend making your own icing. Premade frosting is overly sweet in my opinion. 

Ingredients:
1 box white cake mix
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Buttercream Frosting:
6 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste (use vanilla extract if you don't have this)
1/2 tsp. salt
3-8 Tbsp. milk

Directions:

1. Make cake according to package directions. Try to make the cake layer height as even as possible for consistent cooking. If you're using multiply pan sizes for a tiered effect make sure to cook the smallest layer a shorter time than the larger layers. 

2. Remove cake from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove cake from pans and place on a wire rack to cool for at least 30 minutes.

3. To make Frosting: Pour melted butter into a bowl and add powdered sugar. I suggest a stand mixer or hand mixer to make the frosting. Whisk until it resembles chalky beads.

4. Add vanilla bean paste to mixture and slowly add milk 1 Tbsp. at a time whisking well after each addition, until frosting is consistency you like. (make sure it's not to runny or frosting the cake will be difficult)

5. To frost and decorate the cakes I suggest checking out some youtube videos. A lazy susan is also a good investment for this. Place a small amount of frosting on top of a layer of cake, work the frosting from the middle of the cake outward to around the sides. It's best to pour all the frosting on top then ease it over the sides. Then remove excess frosting if needed. Repeat this process for each cake layer. Allow to chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes until the buttercream is a little bit set. This makes it easier to stack the cakes. Decorate as you like with more buttercream frosting, sprinkles, or using different piping tips.