Taste of Home

Ladybug Cake

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 15 min. Bake: 1 hour + cooling YIELD: 12-16 servings.
This cake will steal the show at your next party. It is really easy to make. I baked the batter in a bowl, colored the frosting a vivid red with paste food coloring and used licorice and gumdrop trims.—Lenore Walters, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Ingredients

  • 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
  • 1-1/4 cups water
  • 1/3 cup canola oil
  • 3 large 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

  • 1. 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.
  • 2. Bake at 350° for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in 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.
  • 3. 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.
  • 4. Cut rope licorice into six pieces; insert into cake for legs. Cut a small piece from the shoestring licorice; add for mouth.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 304 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (31g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.

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