Birthday Cake

I really like making something special like a birthday cake. I make my own every year! I made these 2 because some friends of mine just had their b-day. Since I needed to make 2 cakes I decided to make them both a single layer but it's great to stack the layers on top of each other for more height. This may sound strange but boxed cake mix is you best friend. The chemical make-up of the cake mix makes a perfect cake every time and it's cheaper then buying all the ingredients. It also saves time and is just a lot easier. But for the best flavor, you should make your frosting from scratch. You can use the jarred stuff in a pinch but the from scratch frosting makes it just delicious!

Ingredients:
1 box of cake mix (flavor of your choice, I used devil's food)
3 c powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
6 tbs. butter, melted in microwave
3 to 8 tbs milk
1/3 cup chocolate chips
1 tsp. canola or vegetable oil
food coloring (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook cake according to package directions and baking times. After removing from oven allow to sit in pan for 5 minutes then remove from pan and place on a rack of cutting board to cool.

2. Combine butter and sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until it resembles chalky beads.

3. Add the vanilla and milk, 1 tbs at a time until mixture is a spreadable frosting consistency.

4. To make Writing Chocolate: Melt chocolate chips in a bowl with the oil mixed in for 20 seconds in the microwave. stir chips and microwave longer if not a smooth consistency. Transfer chocolate to a plastic bag and press to one corner. Cut a small part of corner off and use this to write on cake. This takes a little practice but is a simple and nice customizing touch.

Other ways to decorate the cake is to add food coloring to the frosting for the whole cake while setting some aside for a different color to add words or designs on the top. Feel free to get creative by adding textures to the sides, sliced and toasted nuts, even coconut. Don't get frustrated if your first cake isn't a masterpiece because it takes lots of practice to learn the techniques. I hope to go to a cake decorating class soon because I want to make some beautiful cakes.