Preheat & Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and line two 8-inch cake pans with parchment paper.

Make the Cake Batter:

• In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the batter, mixing until just combined. Fold in the sour cream for extra moisture.

Bake the Cake:

• Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
• Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
• Allow cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Buttercream Frosting:

• Beat butter until creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, beating well after each addition.
• Add heavy cream and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth and fluffy.
• Divide the frosting into bowls and tint with food coloring as desired.

Assemble & Decorate the Cake:

• Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a generous layer of frosting on top.
• Add the second cake layer and frost the entire cake with a thin crumb coat. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
• Apply a final coat of frosting and smooth it out.
• Decorate with sprinkles, fondant decorations, and cake toppers.

Serve & Enjoy!

• Let the cake set for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
• Serve and celebrate the special occasion!