Viral Dot Cake Recipe (TikTok's Famous Sprinkle Cake)

PREP - Line a 40x30x5cm/15x12x2inch solid rectangular pan on the base and sides with parchment. Preheat oven to 160C/320F fan forced or 180C/350F conventional. In a saucepan heat the milk and butter until the butter has melted and stir in the salt (do not boil, just scald the milk). Set aside. Sift the flour and baking powder together into a bowl.

BEAT - In the bowl of a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment whisk the sugar, eggs and vanilla on medium high speed for 5 minutes until thick and almost white. Add the hot milk mixture and whisk for 15 seconds or until incorporated. Then fold in the flour mixture on low speed in two lots until smooth (do not overmix). It will be a very liquidy batter. Pour into the prepared tin and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the centre springs back when gently pressed. Cover with a baking dish to keep the steam in the cake and cool completely.

FROSTING - While the cake is baking, make the buttercream frosting. Beat the butter on medium high speed for 2 minutes until pale. On low speed, add the sifted icing sugar in 4 lots until incorporated. Add in milk and vanilla and beat on medium high speed for 3 minutes until fluffy and creamy. Scoop into 2 large piping bags.

CUT - Cut out rounds to match the size of your ice cream cups leaving a bit of room around the sides for the frosting (I used a 7cm/2.8inch cutter). Cut them close together so that you can make as many rounds out of your cake as possible (you should be able to get 20 rounds of cake).

ASSEMBLE - Place one round in an ice cream cup and brush or drizzle with syrup. Pipe buttercream around the edge and in the centre. Place another cake round and add syrup. Pipe buttercream around the edge and over the top of the cake. Level off with an angled spatula.

DECORATE - Carefully place the sprinkles in a wide bowl with a lip. Dip the top of the cup into the sprinkles and serve.