Confetti Party Cake

A Confetti Cake is the perfect dessert for New Years or any holiday celebration. It makes a festive centerpiece until it’s time for dessert.

CAKE INGREDIENTS:
1 Fun Fetti Cake mix or 1 angel food cake mix
1/4 cup colored candy sprinkles

FROSTING INGREDIENTS AND DECORATIONS:
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin
8 teaspoons cold water
2 cups whipping cream (unwhipped)
1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DECORATING CAKE:
Colored Sprinkles
2 Decorative Cake Sprays (available at party stores)
Wire Star Garland (available at party stores)
1 Sheet of Shiny or Metallic Colored Paper (for New Year star)
Poster Board
Non-toxic Glue
Chop Stick
Aluminum Foil
Marker
Tape

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make your cake following the directions on the cake mix box.

* If you are not using a “Fun Fetti” mix, you can make your own. Just before pouring the batter into the tube pan, add the sprinkles.

* Mix them quickly and gently with as few strokes as possible and pour the batter into the pan immediately. If you mix and pour too slowly, the colors may bleed and color the surrounding batter.

2. Ice your cake with “fun fetti” icing or make your own icing.

* To make the frosting: make it right before you plan to apply it so that it doesn’t set.

* For best results, apply the frosting, sprinkles, and decoration no more than an hour before serving to prevent your sprinkle colors from running.

3. Combine the gelatin and water in a small saucepan. Allow it to stand until thick.

4. Set the pan over low heat, stirring constantly until the gelatin dissolves. Don’t let it boil, as that would reduce the gelling power of the gelatin. Remove the gelatin from the heat.

5. Combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla extract in a bowl while your gelatin cools slightly.

6. Whip them with an electric mixer until the mixture thickens slightly.

7. Gradually pour the liquid gelatin (don’t let it set) into the whipped cream mixture and continue to beat at slow speed until blended.

8. Once your mixture is blended, whip it at high speed until it’s stiff and peaks form when you lift the beaters.

9. Frost the completely cooled cake with a generous, fluffy layer, making swirls and peaks as you go.

10. Add confetti (colored sprinkles) and the sparkly year decoration.

* Tip: Apply the sprinkles to the sides of the cake by lightly tossing them against the frosting.

11. Wrap the store-bought metallic sprays with a stars garland around the outside of the cake.

12. Cut a 2-inch star out of shiny metallic paper and poster board (for sturdiness). Glue the shiny star to the poster board.

13. Wrap your Aluminum foil around the chop-stick (about 1/2 the way down your stick).

14. Write the year (number) on it, and taped or glue it to the chop-stick. Gently push the chop-stick into the top of your cake (just far enough so your star stands up).

* Store the cake in the refrigerator until ready to serve.