Ingredients
2-1/4 cups cake flour1-1/2 cups sugar3-1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed4 large egg whites, room temperature3/4 cup 2% milk, divided 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract1/2 teaspoon almond extract1/3 cup red and green jimmiesBUTTERCREAM:6 ounces dark chocolate, chopped1/4 cup heavy whipping cream6 large egg whites1-1/2 cups sugar1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar1/2 teaspoon salt2 cups unsalted butter, cubed1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 cup baking cocoaOptional edible decorations: Cookies, gold mist, melted chocolate, candy coating, gold pearl sprinkles
Preparation
Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of three 6-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease and flour parchment and sides of pans.
In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Beat in butter until crumbly. Add egg whites, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Gradually beat in 1/4 cup milk and extracts; beat on medium until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in remaining 1/2 cup milk. Gently fold in jimmies.
Transfer batter to prepared pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.
For buttercream, in a microwave, melt chocolate with cream until smooth, stirring every 30 seconds. Set aside to cool slightly. In a heatproof bowl of a stand mixer, whisk egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar and salt until blended. Place over simmering water in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisking constantly, heat mixture until a thermometer reads 160°, 8-10 minutes.
Remove from heat. With whisk attachment of stand mixer, beat on high speed until cooled to 90°, about 7 minutes. Gradually beat in butter, a few tablespoons at a time, on medium speed until smooth; beat in melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract. Gradually beat in cocoa through a sifter.
Spread frosting between layers and over top and side of cake. Reserve remaining buttercream for decorating. Decorate as desired. Store in refrigerator.
