The cake layers bake up perfectly flat, so no need for cake strips!




You can make the cake layers the night before and decorate it the next day. Just wait until the cakes are completely cool, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store at room temperature.




I recommend making the buttercream the day you are decorating the cake.




If you're in a rush, you can skip the crumb coat and decorate the cake right away for a more rustic look.