Description
Okay, so you know those adorable Jellycat stuffed animals that make you go “awww” every time you see them? Well, someone went and turned that energy into a CAKE. This Jellycat Birthday Cake is basically a fluffy vanilla sponge cake that looks like it belongs in a toy store window. We’re talking two layers of pure happiness, covered in the fluffiest buttercream, with little piped dots that look like the softest plush fur, and a face so cute you’ll almost feel bad eating it. Almost. This is the cake that makes grown adults squeal and kids lose their absolute minds. Perfect for birthdays, baby showers, or just because you need something ridiculously adorable in your life.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups whole milk
For the Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, room temp
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Face & Details:
- Mini chocolate chips (for eyes)
- 1 piece of chocolate or candy (for mouth)
- Food coloring (optional, for colored arms/details)
- Fresh strawberries (for decoration)
- 1 birthday candle
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 6-inch round cake pans (or use 8-inch if you want a bigger baby).
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 4 minutes). Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
Alternate adding the flour mixture and milk, starting and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
Divide batter between pans and bake 25-30 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool completely before even THINKING about decorating.
Beat butter until super fluffy (like, 5 minutes of beating).
Gradually add powdered sugar, then cream, vanilla, and salt.
Beat until it’s cloud-like and perfect for piping.
Level your cake layers if needed (we want this baby sitting pretty).
Place bottom layer on your serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream on top.
Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Chill for 30 minutes.
Apply a final layer of buttercream, making it as smooth as you can.
Fill a piping bag with buttercream and use a round tip to pipe little dots all around the cake edges (top and bottom). These are your “plush” details.
Gently press mini chocolate chips for eyes and use a small piece of chocolate for the mouth.
If you’re feeling fancy, pipe little arms using colored buttercream.
Top with fresh strawberries and stick in that birthday candle.
Take approximately 47 photos before cutting.
Watch everyone’s faces light up when they see it.
Try not to cry when you have to cut into something so adorable.
Notes
Serve with vanilla ice cream and watch people melt from the cuteness.
Pair with some actual Jellycat toys for the ultimate photo op.
Save a slice for yourself because you EARNED it.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~520 kcal of adorable deliciousness