Ingredients:

  • 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
  • ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 sticks (227g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Green food coloring (gel or liquid, to desired shade)
  • Edible moss (made from crushed graham crackers, sugar, and green food coloring)
  • Edible flowers or chocolate mushrooms (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare Cake Pans: Grease and line the cake pans with parchment paper.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix the wet ingredients into the dry until just combined.
  6. Bake: Divide batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes. Use a toothpick to check for doneness.
  7. Cool Cakes: Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Prepare Frosting: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until fluffy. Add green food coloring to achieve desired moss color.
  9. Assemble Cake: Place one layer of cake on the cake board, spread frosting on top, add the second layer, and frost the sides and top.
  10. Decorate: Sprinkle with edible moss and add optional decorations. Chill before serving if desired.