Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your cake pans with butter and a light dusting of flour. If you’re using a Hello Kitty-shaped mold, make sure it’s well-prepped to avoid sticking.

In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. This should take about 3–5 minutes.

Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.

In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between your prepared pans. If you're using a mold, make sure it’s filled evenly to ensure a balanced cake.

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake cools, prepare the buttercream frosting. Beat the softened butter in a mixing bowl until creamy and smooth.

Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, until the mixture thickens. Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Add the vanilla extract and beat for 1–2 minutes to achieve a fluffy texture.

Separate the frosting into two bowls, and add a few drops of pink food coloring to one bowl to create a light pink shade for the Hello Kitty ears and bow. Leave the other bowl white for the face and background.

Once the cakes are completely cooled, it’s time to assemble. If your cakes have domed tops, use a serrated knife to trim them for an even surface.

Place the first cake layer on a serving plate or cake board, and spread a thin layer of white frosting on top. Add the second layer and cover the entire cake with a smooth coat of white frosting.

Use an offset spatula to create a clean, even surface.

Now for the fun part! Using the pink frosting, pipe a bow shape at the top of the cake.

For Hello Kitty’s face, use the black licorice or edible black markers to draw her eyes, nose, and whiskers. You can use the stencil for precise shapes or freehand it for a more personalized touch.

Add any additional decorative elements such as edible glitter or sprinkles to make the cake even more festive.

After decorating, let the cake set for about 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the frosting to firm up before serving.

If you're in a hurry, you can place it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.