Perfectly Delightful Vanilla Birthday Cake

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups

whole milk, at room temperature

large egg whites (210 g), at room temperature

whole egg, at room temperature

1 tbsp

pure vanilla extract

1/2 tsp

almond extract

3 3/4 cups

cake flour, sifted

2 1/4 cups

sugar

1 3/4 tbsp

baking powder

1 tsp

salt (8 g)

1 1/2 sticks

unsalted butter, at room temperature and cut into cubes

6 tbsp

vegetable shortening

2 1/2 cups

(5 sticks)(575 g) unsalted butter, softened and cut into cubes

5 1/4 cups

confectioners’ sugar, sifted

4 1/2 tbsp

milk

1 1/2 tbsp

pure vanilla extract

or two of salt

few drops pink gel colour

pastel sugar pearls (I used 4mm), or any other sprinkles for decorating