Clay Art Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

5. Stir in the vanilla extract.

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Clay Art Decoration:

10. Roll out the fondant icing on a clean, lightly powdered surface to about 1/8 inch thick.

11. Use food coloring to dye the fondant your desired colors.

12. Cut out shapes and designs from the colored fondant using cookie cutters or a sharp knife.

13. Gently brush the top of the cake with a bit of water to help the fondant pieces adhere.

14. Arrange the fondant shapes on top of the cake in your desired pattern or design.

15. For a touch of shimmer, mix a small amount of edible gold or silver dust with a few drops of clear alcohol (like vodka or clear vanilla extract) and paint it onto the fondant decorations using the food paintbrushes.

16. Allow the decorated cake to set for at least 30 minutes before serving.