1️⃣ Prepare the Chocolate Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until smooth.
5. Stir in hot water or coffee, mixing just until combined. The batter will be thin – this is normal!
6. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.

2️⃣ Make the Pink Frosting

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy.
2. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and heavy cream, beating until smooth.
4. Add pink food coloring, a few drops at a time, until you achieve the signature pink color.

3️⃣ Assemble & Decorate

1. Once the cake is completely cool, spread the pink frosting evenly using a spatula.
2. To create the rustic homemade look, roughly spread the frosting, avoiding a perfect finish.
3. In a small bowl, mix the reserved frosting with green food coloring for the lettering.
4. Using a piping bag with a small round tip, pipe “Happee Birthdae Harry” in uneven, messy cursive.
5. Optional: Add green snake details by piping small swirls or shaping fondant snakes.