Christmas Tree Cake Recipe

Prepare cake according to package directions. Divide batter between one 9-in. and one 8-in. greased and floured round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. For frosting, fold the confectioners' sugar into the whipped cream; set aside. Place 9-in. cake on a 10-in. serving plate or covered board. With a sharp knife, cut a 5-1/2-in. circle from the center of the cake. Remove 5-1/2-in. circle and set aside. Frost top of 9-in. ring and fill center with candy. Cut a 3-1/2-in. circle from the center of the 8-in. cake; remove 3-1/2-in. circle and set aside. Place 8-in. ring over 9-in. ring. Frost top and fill center with candy. Cut a 1-3/4-in. circle from the center of the reserved 5-1/2-in. circle. Remove 1-3/4-in. circle and set aside. Place 5-1/2-in. ring over 8-in. ring. Frost top and fill center with candy. Place reserved 3-1/2-in. circle over 5-1/2-in. ring; frost top. Place reserved 1-3/4-in. circle over 5-1/2-in. ring. Frost top, mounding slightly to make a pointed top. Frost sides of the cake, mounding frosting at base of layers and gradually connecting layers to resemble a Christmas tree. Place star on top of cake. Sprinkle with green sugar if desired. Add candles and decorating candies if desired. Yield: 12 servings.