Ladybug Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 package (18-1/4 ounces) chocolate cake mix
• 1-1/4 cups water
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1-1/3 cups vanilla frosting
• Red paste food coloring
• 2 large white gumdrops
• 3 large black gumdrops
• 1 rope black licorice
• 1 shoestring black licorice

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, water, oil, eggs and mayonnaise on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Pour into a greased and floured 2-qt. ovenproof bowl.
• Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from bowl to a wire rack to cool completely. Place on a serving plate.
• In a small bowl, combine frosting and food coloring. Spread over cake. For eyes, flatten white gumdrops and shape into ovals; place on ladybug. Cut black gumdrops horizontally into three slices; discard tops. Slightly flatten slices; place two on white gumdrops for pupils, securing with a toothpick if necessary. Arrange remaining slices on body for spots, pressing down gently.
• Cut rope licorice into six pieces; insert into cake for legs. Cut a small piece from the shoestring licorice; add for mouth. Yield: 12-16 servings.

Ladybug Cake published in Taste of Home June/July 2004, p15