1. Bake the Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
3. In a bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
4. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla and oil.
5. Mix in flour, baking powder, and salt, alternating with milk.
6. Divide batter evenly into pans.
7. Bake 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cakes cool completely.

2. Make the Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat butter on high for 2 minutes.
2. Add powdered sugar gradually.
3. Mix in vanilla, salt, and milk until smooth and fluffy.
4. Tint most of the frosting orange.
5. Tint a small amount black for basketball lines.

3. Assemble the Cake

1. Level the cake layers if needed.
2. Spread a layer of frosting between the two cakes.
3. Apply a thin crumb coat of orange frosting and chill for 20 minutes.
4. Frost the cake with a smooth final coat of orange frosting.

4. Create the Basketball Design

1. Using a toothpick, lightly outline the basketball lines:
   • One vertical curved line
   • One horizontal curved line
   • Two half-circle side curves
2. Pipe along the outlines with black frosting using a small round tip.
3. Smooth or thicken lines as desired.

5. Serve

• Let the cake set in the fridge for 20 minutes.
• Slice and enjoy your basketball-themed masterpiece!