Ingredients

For the sponge cake (3 layers, 8-inch):

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 2 cups sugar

• 4 large eggs (room temperature)

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 cup whole milk

• 1/2 cup sour cream

For the blueberry compote filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry)

For the white chocolate buttercream:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)

• 4 cups powdered sugar

• 200 g white chocolate (melted & cooled)

• 2 tbsp heavy cream

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the drip glaze:

• 1/2 cup white chocolate

• Gel food coloring (teal/blue for the festive effect)

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

For decoration:

• Fresh blueberries

• Edible gold dust & sprinkles

• Small pinecones (food-safe or faux for decoration only)

• Gold sugar pearls

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Instructions

1. Make the sponge cake

   • Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease and line three 8-inch pans.

   • Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.

   • In another bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one by one, then vanilla.

   • Mix in dry ingredients alternately with milk + sour cream.

   • Divide batter into pans and bake for 25–30 mins. Cool completely.

2. Prepare the blueberry compote

   • In a saucepan, simmer blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice until juicy.

   • Stir in cornstarch slurry until thickened. Let cool.

3. Make the buttercream

   • Beat butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar.

   • Mix in melted white chocolate, cream, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Assemble the cake

   • Place first sponge layer, spread a thin coat of buttercream, add blueberry compote.

   • Repeat with remaining layers. Crumb-coat the cake, chill 20 mins, then frost smoothly.

5. Add the drip effect

   • Heat cream, pour over white chocolate, add blue gel coloring. Stir until glossy.

   • Drizzle along cake edges with a spoon or piping bag for a drip effect.

6. Decorate

   • Top with fresh blueberries, edible gold pearls, and a dusting of gold shimmer.

   • Add pinecones and golden touches for a magical winter look.

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✨ This cake isn’t just dessert — it’s a centerpiece! Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or any winter celebration.