# What You Need:
→ Cake
01 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
06 - 1 tablespoon culinary-grade matcha powder
07 - 1/3 cup whole milk, room temperature
08 - 1 large egg, room temperature
09 - 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
10 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
→ Vanilla Frosting
11 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
12 - 3/4 cup powdered (confectioners') sugar, sifted
13 - 1 tablespoon milk
14 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
15 - Pinch of fine salt
→ Optional Toppings
16 - Sprinkles, as needed
17 - Fresh berries, as needed
# Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line two 4-inch round pans with parchment and lightly flour or spray with baking spray.
02 - Sift together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and matcha into a medium bowl to ensure even distribution.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vegetable oil, and vanilla until homogenous and slightly glossy.
04 - Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until the batter is just combined; stop when no dry streaks remain to preserve lightness.
05 - Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans, smoothing the tops with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon for even rise.
06 - Bake for 15–20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the tops spring back lightly to the touch.
07 - Allow the cakes to rest in their pans for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and cool completely before assembling to prevent frosting melt.
08 - Beat the softened butter until creamy, then gradually add the sifted powdered sugar. Add the milk, vanilla, and a pinch of salt and beat until smooth and fluffy, adjusting texture with a few drops of milk if needed.
09 - Spread a thin layer of frosting on one layer, stack the second layer on top, and apply a crumb coat followed by a thin final layer of frosting for a smash-cake aesthetic.
10 - Decorate with sprinkles or fresh berries as desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, or keep refrigerated briefly if not serving right away.
