Snowman Cake

Do you want to build a snowman… cake? Of course you do, and that’s why you sought out this snowman cake recipe. Before we get started, don’t worry. As good as this cake looks, it’s not that hard to make, and there’s no magic touch required. Also, there are really very few ingredients required to make this charming wintery dessert.

The secret? Well, we’ll be using store-bought chocolate cake mix and premade vanilla frosting. This is really more about the crafting and decorating than the baking. Of course you can make the cake sections and frosting from scratch if you want, we won’t tell either way.

Snowman Cake Ingredients

• Chocolate cake mix: You’ll need two standard-sized packages of chocolate cake mix.
• Vanilla frosting: Plan to use three cups of vanilla frosting.
• Chocolate frosting: You’ll need 16 ounces of chocolate frosting.
• Blue food coloring: Five or six drops of food coloring is all you need.
• Green Fruit Roll-Up: Yes, this is a very specific ingredient.
• Red-coated tiny tarts: Red Hots will work fine here if need be.
• Red candy coin: A big red gumdrop is a fine stand-in.
• Black gumdrops: No black gumdrops on hand? How about some Hershey Kisses instead?
• Black licorice bites: You can cut black licorice ropes into shape for these.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare and bake the cakes

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Prepare the cake mixes according to package directions, then divide the batter among two greased and floured 9-inch round baking pans, one 9-inch square baking pan and 12 cupcakes (these are simply because you’ll have extra, FYI). Bake the cakes at 350°F for 20 to 25 minutes and the cupcakes for 18 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes before removing them to wire racks to cool completely.

Step 2: Frost the round cakes

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Place one round cake off center and 1 inch from the bottom of a 25×6-inch covered board. Place the second round cake above it. Set aside 1 cup of the vanilla frosting and frost the round cakes with remaining vanilla frosting.

Step 3: Cut the square cake into a hat and scarf

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Cut the square cake into two rectangles, one 8×2 inches and one 8×4 inches. (You can use the remaining piece for something else, like eating.) For the hat brim, place the smaller rectangle above the top round cake. Cut an approximately 6×4-inch piece from the large rectangle and place it above the hat brim. For the scarf, cut the remaining cake piece in half diagonally and position the sections to the side of where the circles meet.

Step 4: Finish frosting, then decorate the cake

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Frost the hat with chocolate frosting. Then, tint the reserved vanilla frosting blue, and use it to frost a stripe on the hat for a ribbon and then frost the scarf. Cut three holly leaves from fruit roll-up and place these on hat ribbon. Top the leaves with tiny tarts for berries. Position red candy coin for nose and add the black gumdrops (or chocolate Kisses) for eyes and buttons, then add the licorice bites for the mouth, and your snowman treat is done!

Christine Ma for Taste of Home

Snowman Cake Variations

• Change up the colors: You can make the ribbon and scarf a different color or make them different colors from one another.
• Use different candies: As noted when we discussed ingredients, there are all sorts of substitutions that can be made for the candies in this recipe.
• Make the cakes from scratch: Store-bought saves time, but from scratch tastes better. Make the cakes and the frosting yourself if you have the time.

How to Store a Snowman Cake

This cake will store well at room temperature for up to three days and in the fridge for up to five. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container or wrapping.

Can you freeze this snowman cake?

Yes. This snowman cake will freeze well for up to three months. It’s best to first freeze leftovers uncovered on a plate for several hours, then to wrap them up. This helps prevent the frosting from sticking to the wrapping.

Snowman Cake Tips

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Can I use a different cake flavor?

Of course, there’s no need to use chocolate cake mix. Vanilla, red velvet or yellow cake will all be great for this recipe.

How do I thaw frozen snowman cake?

Let frozen cake pieces thaw at room temperature and then enjoy them the same-day. The thawing should only take an hour or so.

What other candies would work well here?

There are so many options! You can use gum balls, chocolate chips, peppermints, coconut flakes and much more for decorating the cake.