Super Mario Themed Lemon Layer Cake with Fondant

Roll out yellow fondant thinly and cut out 3 small and 3 large stars

Let the stars dry completely, then paint eyes with black food coloring pen

From green fondant, shape 3 flower pots, 6 leaves, and 3 stems for the carnivorous plants

Cut 3 circles from red fondant and cut out a wedge for the mouth of each plant

Cut about 15 small circles and 12 thin strips from white fondant for the plants' mouths

Attach the white circles and strips to the red circles using edible glue

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans

In a large bowl, cream together butter, sugar, and salt until light and fluffy

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition

Mix in lemon zest

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder

Alternately add the flour mixture and milk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture, mixing until just combined

Divide batter between prepared pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean

Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely

In a small saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves and mixture reaches 118°C (244°F)

While sugar syrup is heating, beat egg whites in a heatproof bowl until stiff peaks form

With mixer running, slowly pour hot syrup into egg whites. Continue beating until mixture is cool and forms stiff peaks

Switch to paddle attachment and add butter one piece at a time, beating until smooth

Add blue food coloring and mix until uniform

Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of buttercream

Top with second cake layer and spread more buttercream on top

Cover the entire cake with a thin crumb coat of buttercream and refrigerate for 30 minutes

Apply a final layer of buttercream and smooth the sides and top

Arrange the fondant stars, plants, mushrooms, and gold coins on the cake as desired

Place the Super Mario cake topper in the center

You can color fondant in the given amounts with corresponding food colors and store airtight

Use a little vegetable shortening and cornstarch on hands when working with fondant to prevent sticking