# What You Need:
→ For the Cakes
01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
05 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
06 - 2 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk, room temperature
→ For the Buttercream
10 - 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
11 - 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
13 - 1 to 2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
14 - Pinch of salt
15 - Optional: food coloring in pastel shades
→ For Decoration
16 - 1 cup edible flowers such as violas, pansies, or nasturtiums, food-safe and pesticide-free
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9x13 inch rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until pale and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract and lemon zest.
05 - Add half the flour mixture, then the milk, then the remaining flour, mixing gently after each addition until just combined.
06 - Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Let the cake cool completely. Using a 2.5 to 3 inch round cutter, cut out 12 circles, re-rolling scraps as needed.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, salt, and 1 tablespoon milk. Beat until light and fluffy, adding more milk as needed. Tint with food coloring if desired.
09 - Place one cake round on a serving plate. Spread with a layer of buttercream. Top with a second cake round and another thin layer of buttercream. Repeat with remaining rounds to create 6 mini layer cakes.
10 - Decorate the tops with additional buttercream and arrange edible flowers artfully on each mini cake.
11 - Chill for 15 minutes before serving for optimal texture and presentation.
