# What you'll need:
→ Sheet Cake
01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 2½ teaspoons baking powder
03 - ½ 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 - 1¼ 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, optional
18 - Water as needed for fondant adhesion
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12x18-inch half-sheet pan and line with parchment paper.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes.
04 - Add eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.
05 - Alternately add flour mixture and milk in three additions, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
07 - Remove cake from oven and cool in 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 extract, and salt. Beat until fluffy and smooth.
09 - Once cake is completely cool, spread a thin, even layer of buttercream over the entire surface and sides.
10 - Roll out fondant on a powdered sugar-dusted surface to approximately 1/8-inch thickness. Drape fondant over cake, smoothing with hands or a fondant smoother.
11 - Trim excess fondant. Brush lightly with water where you wish to adhere edible pearls or decorative elements.
12 - Dust the fondant surface with pearl luster dust using a dry food-safe brush for a shimmering effect. Lightly brush with corn syrup and water mixture if desired for additional shine.
13 - Arrange edible pearls as desired to create a Communion motif such as a cross, chalice, or decorative border.
14 - Allow cake to set for 30 minutes before serving.
