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Ingredients
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Cake
Cream Cheese Frosting
Method
Cake
Prepare
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch square or 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper; lightly grease the parchment with 1 tsp vegetable oil or a thin film of butter.
Combine dry ingredients
In a medium bowl whisk together 1.75 cups all-purpose flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/2 tsp salt until evenly distributed.
Pulse Fruity Pebbles
Place 2 cups Fruity Pebbles in a food processor or a sealed plastic bag and pulse or crush briefly until you have mostly small pieces and some fine crumbs. You want texture but not complete powder. Reserve about 1/2 cup of crushed cereal (or whole pieces) for garnish.
Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl whisk together 1/2 cup melted cooled unsalted butter, 3/4 cup whole milk, 1/4 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt), 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth.
Mix batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and fold gently with a spatula until mostly combined. Fold in the crushed Fruity Pebbles until distributed evenly; avoid overmixing. Batter will be slightly thick but pourable. If batter seems too stiff, add up to 1–2 tbsp milk.
Bake
Scrape batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle reserved Fruity Pebbles (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 22–28 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter) and the edges are lightly golden.
Cream Cheese Frosting
Beat base
In a large bowl using a hand mixer or in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat 8 oz softened cream cheese and 4 tbsp softened unsalted butter on medium speed until smooth and lump-free, about 2–3 minutes.
Add sugar and flavor
Reduce speed to low and gradually add 2 cups confectioners' sugar, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/8 tsp salt. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until light and fluffy, about 1–2 minutes. If frosting is too thick, add up to 1 tbsp milk, 1 tsp at a time, until spreadable.
Frost cake
When the cake is completely cool, transfer to a serving plate. Using an offset spatula or knife, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top (and sides, if desired).
Garnish
Press the reserved Fruity Pebbles gently into the frosting around the top and edges, and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup additional Fruity Pebbles for a colorful garnish. Chill briefly (10–15 minutes) to set the frosting for cleaner slices, if desired.