Circus train cake recipe
This circus train makes a perfect birthday cake for a child! After you bake and frost this fun cake, let the kids decorate their own “cars.”
Ingredients
1 package 2-layer-size chocolate cake mix (or make homemade chocolate cake)
1 package chocolate fudge frosting mix (for 2-layer cake)
Decorating trims: animal crackers, mint waters, fruit-flavored hard round candies, cinnamon candies, shoestring licorice, gumdrops, candy-covered chocolate drops, candy corn, peppermint candy, nuts, miniature marshmallows and chocolate pieces
Directions
Prepare cake according to package directions: turn batter into greased and floured 13x9x2-inch pan. Bake according to package directions. Remove from pan; cool. Cut cake into 10 pieces. 4 x 2-1/2 inches each. Place each piece upright on long side.
Prepare frosting mix according to package directions; frost individual pieces of cake. Use animal crackers on the sides for animals or make up your own animal shapes using different candies.
Shoestring licorice can be used for the bars. Round candies or mint wafers can be used for the wheels. The engine can be topped with gumdrops or round candies and candles or a smaller piece of cake.
MORE: Jelly-Bean Carousel Cake recipe (1965)
Recipe for decorator icing
Ingredients
1/2 cup shortening
2 small egg whites at room temperature (1/4 cup)
1 16-ounce package silted confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Directions
Combine shortening, egg whites, sugar and cornstarch on low speed of electric mixer; heat at medium speed till blended. If necessary, add 1 to 2 teaspoons water 1 teaspoon at a time till mixture is smooth and pliable. Tint frosting for desired colors. Keep tightly covered while working with the icing.
