Candy 'n Balloon Birthday Cake

1. 1

   Grease and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans.

2. 2

   Set aside.

3. 3

   Prepare cake mix according to package directions; pour batter into prepared pans.

4. 4

   Bake as directed on package.

5. 5

   Cool completely.

6. 6

   Remove from pans.

7. 7

   Combine powdered sugar, half & half and almond flavoring in bowl.

8. 8

   Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed.

9. 9

   Reserve 1 cup; set aside.

10. 10

    Spoon remaining icing onto cakes; spread over surface and sides of each cake.

11. 11

    Divide reserved icing between 3 small bowls.

12. 12

    Tint each with food color as desired.

13. 13

    Fill small plastic food bags with one color of icing each.

14. 14

    Cut off small tip of each bag with scissors.

15. 15

    Decorate each cake with whimsical, geometric designs or polka dots.

16. 16

    Place each decorated cake onto bottom of plastic plate; cut off excess plate.

17. 17

    Spread decorator grass over 20-inch flat tray or aluminum foil covered cardboard.

18. 18

    Place cakes onto tray.

19. 19

    Insert ribbons for balloon strings into bottom of cakes.

20. 20

    Place gumballs around cakes in decorator grass.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.