# What You'll Need:
→ Sheet Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 2 cups granulated sugar
05 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
06 - 4 large eggs, room temperature
07 - 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
08 - 1 1/4 cups whole milk
→ Buttercream
09 - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
10 - 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
11 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
13 - Pinch of salt
→ Pearl Fondant Decoration
14 - 2 pounds white ready-to-roll fondant
15 - Pearl luster dust, food-safe
16 - Edible pearls or sugar pearls (optional)
17 - 1 tablespoon light corn syrup for shine, optional
18 - Small amount of water for fondant adhesion
# Steps to Follow:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12x18-inch sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
03 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream sugar and butter on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Blend in vanilla extract.
05 - Add flour mixture and milk in three additions, beginning and ending with flour, mixing only until just combined.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Remove from oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack and cool completely.
08 - Beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Beat until smooth and fluffy.
09 - Spread a thin, even buttercream layer over the cooled cake using an offset spatula.
10 - Roll fondant out on a surface dusted with powdered sugar to 1/8-inch thickness. Drape over the cake, smoothing gently with hands or a fondant smoother.
11 - Trim excess fondant. Brush areas lightly with water to adhere pearls. Dust with pearl luster dust using a food-safe brush for a shimmering finish.
12 - For extra shine, brush lightly with a corn syrup and water mixture. Arrange edible pearls to create desired Communion motifs.
13 - Allow cake to set for 30 minutes before slicing and serving.
