# What You'll Need:
→ Vanilla Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
05 - 2 cups granulated sugar
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
→ Buttercream
09 - 2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
10 - 6 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
12 - 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
13 - Teal gel food coloring
→ Geode Decoration
14 - 2 cups rock sugar crystals (clear or white)
15 - Teal gel food coloring
16 - Edible gold leaf or gold luster dust
17 - Clear alcohol (such as vodka), for painting
→ Assembly
18 - Simple syrup (optional, for moistening cake layers)
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and line three 8-inch round pans. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
02 - In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy with an electric mixer.
03 - Beat in eggs, one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
04 - Alternate adding the dry mixture and milk, starting and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
05 - Divide batter evenly among cake pans. Bake for 28–32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to racks to cool completely.
06 - Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then vanilla extract. Add heavy cream as needed for a smooth, spreadable consistency. Tint most buttercream teal; reserve some uncolored for crumb coating.
07 - Place rock sugar crystals in a bowl. Add teal gel food coloring and gently mix until crystals are evenly colored. Dry on parchment paper if needed.
08 - Level cake layers if necessary. Optionally brush with simple syrup. Stack layers with a thin layer of buttercream between each. Apply a crumb coat with reserved buttercream and chill for 20 minutes.
09 - Frost the chilled cake with teal buttercream, smoothing the sides and top for an even finish.
10 - Using a sharp knife, carve a wedge or slice into the cake's side to expose the interior. Spread buttercream inside the cut area. Press colored sugar crystals to mimic a geode, graduating color intensity toward the edges. Paint edges with edible gold leaf or brush gold luster dust mixed with alcohol for a metallic accent.
11 - Decorate with additional gold accents and, if desired, place a graduation topper for a celebratory finish.
