Piñata Cake

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I made this candy stuffed cake for my son, Benjamin’s 8th birthday… It was a big hit once I cut into it and the candy spilled out!  Easier to assemble than you think. Using store bought box mixes and icing makes it easier.

Ingredients:
2 boxes of cake mix (any flavor)
2 containers of frosting (any flavor)
Assortment of small candies (jelly beans, M & M's, Skittles, etc...)

Grease and flour two 1.5 quart oven-safe bowls (I use metal mixing bowls and they worked perfectly). 

Make cake mix according to box directions. Divide batter equally between two bowls (or use the same bowl and bake one cake, followed by another, allowing bowl to cool in between). Bake cakes at 350F for approx. 45 mins-1 hour. Check cakes for doneness with a toothpick or skewer.

Remove cakes from oven. After 10 minutes carefully turn cakes onto a rack and allow to cool completely.  Arrange a plate over the cake and flip over so that the cracked side faces up (the smooth side should be on the bottom). With a sharp knife, cut evenly all around the top of the cake to remove the dome. Repeat with other cake.

Lay a cake with the exposed side up (the side in which the dome has been removed). Using a knife, make an outline of a smaller circle within the cake, leaving about 2-3 inches from the edges. Gently scoop out the inside with a spoon, going down a few inches. Be careful not to punture the cake on the sides or bottom. Place the crumbled cake pieces in a separate bowl and save to munch on for later. Repeat with other cake.

Place one cake on a cake plate/stand (feel free to use a cake board), hollowed out center facing up. Apply frosting to the lip of the cake all around; this will allow the other cake piece to adhere when placed on top.

Fill the hole with assorted candies. When done, carefully place the other cake on top of the candy-filled cake, making sure to line up the edges.

With an offset spatula, apply a crumb coat of frosting to the cake. This initial frosting secures stray crumbs and allows for a neater, finished look when the second frosting is applied. Place cake in fridge for 15 minutes to chill.
Remove cake from fridge. Apply second coat of frosting. Decorate the cake as desired (sprinkles… ).

When you slice the first piece… CANDY ! FYI… the rest of the cake must be cut or it may cave in.
To make Piñata Cupcakes, carve a small hole in the top of the cupcake and fill with candy (m&ms, gummy worms, skittles, reese’s pieces, etc). Replace the top, frost and decorate. Kids will be in for a fun surprise when they bite into it and discover more than just cake!