Celebrate a first birthday with this delicious butter cake.
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 180°C. Place an oven shelf in the second lowest position. Brush a 3.5cm-deep rectangular, 24 x 30cm (base measurement) cake pan with melted butter to lightly grease. Line the base and sides of the pan with non-stick baking paper.
- Step 2
Use an electric beater to beat butter, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl until pale and creamy. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Use a large metal spoon to fold the combined flour and the milk into the butter mixture until well combined. Spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and use the back of a spoon to smooth the surface.
- Step 3
Bake in oven for 35-40 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Set aside in the pan for 10 minutes to cool slightly before turning onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 4
Repeat to make a second cake. Allow to cool completely.
- Step 5
Place the cakes on a clean work surface. Use a large serrated knife to trim 1 short side of each cake. Place cut sides together. Place the template (see notes) on top of the 2 cakes. Use a small sharp knife to cut out the number.
- Step 6
To make the butter cream icing, use an electric beater to beat the butter until pale and creamy. Gradually add the icing sugar and beat until well combined. Gradually add the milk and beat until light and fluffy.
- Step 7
Place a little icing on the bases of the cakes to secure to a cake board or serving platter.
- Step 8
Spread the icing over the sides and top of the cake to cover.
- Step 9
Separate the Smarties into four different colours and place in separate bowls. Use brown Smarties to create three rows around the sides of the cake. Use the three remaining colours to outline the number on top of the cake, overlapping slightly.
Get the number templates needed for this cake on the Good Taste January 2009 page. Print the number template you require to start. For number templates from 0-9, you'll need the same quantities of cake, icing and decoration as in the above cake. If making the number 10, double the above quantities.
Make it ahead: You can make this cake up to 1 day ahead. Store in a cool, dry place. You'll need 8 x 410g packets of Smarties for this recipe. Place any leftover Smarties in bowls for the party or in lolly bags for the kids.