Simple Sweet Sixteen

This is the cake I made for my friend's sixteenth sleepover. It was a big hit, but we almost ran out! There wasn't a piece left by the time everyone else got a slice! It's actually pretty easy to make, since I used a cake mix!

White cake:
  A Moist White cake mix (like Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines)
  A Vanilla INSTANT Pudding mix box (try a normal box of Jell-o brand)

Follow all directions on the box. I recommend using real vanilla though. But don't use imitation flavoring. Just get vanilla flavor or the real stuff. It's worth it in the end. When you add in the cake mix, add in the entire box of Instant Pudding. Then continue on as normal. This makes the cake more dense and moist! Just be extra careful when moving the cakes from the pans. Since they are heavy, they will break easily. I actually broke on of my two layers. But if this does happen to you, don't panic! Just use it as your base and put a light layer of the filling frosting in between! Works like a charm! Also, when picking a platter to place it on, make sure it is sturdy and can carry some weight, as the cake is more easily transported on a sturdy plate. I used an 8" round pan, by the way.

Filling with strawberries:
        Frosting:
               1 pint Heavy whipping cream
               4 tablespoons Vanilla Instant Pudding mix
               1 teaspoon Vanilla
 + fresh Strawberries

 Using a hand mixer, beat until the cream gets thicker. It's pretty obvious, but it will bubble when you first beat it, and those bubbles must go away. Then, once the cream is thick, add in the 4 tbs of Instant pudding mix and beat again. Add in the vanilla as well and then test it. If you want it sweeter, add in a little bit of confectioners' sugar.

  Then spread on top of the bottom layer of your cake. Don't make it too thick, so you can put strawberries on top. The frosting that goes over the strawberries should be the thicker layer. Slice the leaves off of the strawberries, and cut them whole, so your slices are as flat as possible. It make it much easier to layer. Add as many as you please on top of the frosting and then apply a generous coating of frosting atop the strawberries. Place your next layer on top.

Frost the outside with the frosting of your choice.  I used a Fluffy Whipped Vanilla  frosting (by Betty Crocker) and it worked fantastically.

I used the same frosting to do the outside border with 2 drops of green food paste and using a piping bag with a simple tip. Obviously, it isn't perfect but it adds a very nice effect. I then lined the inner circle with fresh raspberries. I purchased a simple red Betty Crocker Decorating Cookie Icing and used that for the "16!" 

Everyone commented on how professional it worked and I loved how simple and easy it was compared to baking a cake from scratch. No one thought it was from a mix, because that pudding really makes it special.  My friends were drooling and begging to eat it all night and it help up well in room-temperature for an hour or two. The cake disappeared in record time and I didn't even more than a tiny sliver! It's a big hit, simple to make and it turns out great!