Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients 🥣

• Before diving into this delightful Ube Cake recipe, ensure you have all the necessary ingredients ready. To create this scrumptious dessert, you'll need a range of items that come together to form a delightful treat.

Step 2: Prepare the Oven and Pans 🍰🔥

• Preparation is key. Position oven racks in both the upper and lower thirds of your oven, and preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Create parchment circles for three 8-inch cake pans by tracing their bottoms onto parchment paper.

Step 3: Pans and Parchment 🍽️📜

• Give your cake pans a light coating of cooking spray, then place the parchment circles at the bottom of each pan. This helps prevent sticking and ensures your cakes come out effortlessly.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugar 🧈🍬

• In your trusty stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip up a delightful mixture by creaming together room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Mix it at a medium speed until it transforms into a light and fluffy concoction, which usually takes around 2 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients 🍚🧂

• In a spacious bowl, wield your whisk to blend the sifted cake flour, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the core structure of your cake, adding stability and flavor.

Step 6: Incorporate the Eggs and Ube Extract 🥚🌈

• Once your butter and sugar have metamorphosed into creamy goodness, pause the mixer. Gradually introduce eggs, one at a time, ensuring they integrate seamlessly. Afterward, turn the mixer back on and add the unique touch of ube extract, blending until fully combined.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry 🥣🌊

• With the mixer resting, incorporate about a third of the dry ingredients. Mix at a low speed until they're nearly integrated, then introduce about half of the full-fat coconut milk, taking turns with the remaining dry ingredients. Finish with the dry mixture and mix until fully incorporated.

Step 8: Divide and Bake 🧁🌟

• Divide your glorious batter evenly among the three prepared cake pans, smoothing the tops for an even finish. Pop them into the preheated oven and let them bake until they gently pull away from the pan sides and spring back to the touch. To ensure even baking, rotate the pans halfway through, starting to check for doneness around the 25-minute mark.

Step 9: Cool and Freeze ❄️🍰

• Once the cakes emerge from the oven, allow them to cool at room temperature for about an hour. Gently loosen the sides with a paring knife. Then, place each cake layer onto a long sheet of plastic wrap, flip it over, and remove the parchment paper. Wrap the layers individually and place them in the freezer, flat, for at least an hour. This step enhances the cake's texture and makes it easier to assemble.

Make the Italian Buttercream

Step 1: Gathering the Ingredients for Italian Buttercream 🧈🍦

• To embark on crafting this luscious Italian Buttercream, make sure you have all the essential ingredients on hand. Each component plays a vital role in the creation of this velvety delight.

Step 2: Bring the Butter to Room Temperature 🌬️🧈

• Prior to diving into the buttercream-making process, allow the butter to gracefully reach room temperature. This ensures optimal consistency and smooth incorporation.

Step 3: Prepare the Sugar Syrup 🍬🍯

• In a small saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar and water. Give it a gentle stir, and as it heats up over medium-high heat, make sure to wipe away any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan using your fingers or a pastry brush.

Step 4: Heat the Sugar Syrup 🔥🌡️

• Let the sugar syrup reach a temperature of 238°F (114°C) without stirring. This process takes about 10 minutes. Avoid the urge to stir, as it can lead to unwanted crystallization.

Step 5: Whisk the Egg Whites 🥚🍶

• Place egg whites and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Start whisking on medium speed until the egg whites become delightfully frothy.

Step 6: Gradually Add Sugar to Egg Whites 🍭🥚

• With the mixer running, slowly stream in the remaining 1/3 cup of granulated sugar. Increase the mixer speed to high and whisk until the mixture forms medium-stiff peaks.

Step 7: Incorporate Sugar Syrup into Meringue 🍯🥚

• With the mixer on low speed, gently pour the prepared sugar syrup down the side of the bowl to fully incorporate it into the meringue, ensuring a harmonious blend.

Step 8: Whisk to Perfect Meringue 🌀🍶

• Boost the mixer speed to medium-high and continue whisking until the meringue doubles in volume and the bottom of the bowl loses its warmth, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 9: Add and Beat the Butter 🧈🎵

• Switch to the paddle attachment and set the mixer to medium speed. Gradually introduce small cubes of butter one by one, allowing each cube to fully meld into the mixture before adding the next. Don't fret if the mixture appears inconsistent at moments; keep beating to achieve a smooth and fluffy texture.

Assemble the Cake

Step 1: Prep the Macapuno Strings 🥭🎶

• If you've opted to use macapuno strings, begin by draining them using a mesh sieve, ensuring they're ready to add a delightful twist to your creation.

Step 2: Prepare the Cakes 🎂🔪

• Retrieve the cakes from the freezer, placing one onto a cake board or serving platter atop your cake turntable. With a serrated knife, gently trim off any elevated portion, ensuring a level surface. Don't discard the cake scraps; they make for a tasty snack or can be transformed into cake pops. Slice the tops off the remaining two cakes.

Step 3: First Layer and Buttercream 🥮🍰

• Begin the assembly by spreading a layer of buttercream on the base cake layer. Skillfully wield an offset spatula to achieve a smooth surface. Enhance the experience by artfully arranging half of the macapuno strings over the buttercream layer.

Step 4: Second Layer and More Buttercream 🥮🌟

• Gracefully position the second cake layer over the macapuno-adorned one. Apply another generous layer of buttercream, and once again, adorn it with the remaining macapuno strings for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Step 5: Secure the Final Layer 🎂🎊

• Top off the creation with the last cake layer, ensuring a secure placement.

Step 6: Final Buttercream Touches 🧁🎉

• Generously spread buttercream over the top layer. Utilize a large offset spatula to ensure a smooth surface while gently spinning the turntable. In the event that excess buttercream spills over the top, use the spatula to guide it down the sides.

Step 7: Attain the Crumb Coat 🍰👗

• Extend the buttercream journey by applying a thin layer around the sides of the cake. Hold your offset spatula vertically while gently spreading the buttercream in a delicate layer. Allow the cake to rest in the refrigerator for about 5 minutes to set.

Step 8: The Ultimate Finish 🎂🌈

• Conclude your masterpiece by adding a final, lavish layer of buttercream. Elevate the aesthetics by garnishing with additional macapuno strings, if your heart desires. The result is a masterpiece ready to be savored and enjoyed.