Gracielyn’s 2nd Birthday Cake, Hedge Hog Cake

My little friend is turning 2 and requested a Hedgehog cake.  It is a vanilla cake with strawberry filling and vanilla buttercream frosting. I soaked my cake a little bit with sugar water so that it wouldn’t dry out.  I have to say it was pretty tasty,

I have clients send me a picture of what they like and the colors and flavors.  They found this one on the internet at littlepeachcakery.com. Mine turned out fatter but still really cute.

I used a 2 boxed cake mixes and made my own filling and frosting. Recipe below:

2 sticks of softened butter

2 cups white shortening

1 tsp Wilton butter flavoring

1 tsp Wilton vanilla

1/4 tsp Almond flavoring

1 pound powdered sugar

2 tablespoons of Wilton Meringue powder

1/4 tsp salt if using unsalted butter

3 tablespoons heavy cream (more for softer frosting)

Place softened butter in mixing bowl and beat until smooth and fluffy.  Add a cup of shortening at a time to butter and beat well. Add flavorings and mix well.

In a separate bowl sift a one pound bag of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of Wilton Meringue powder (and salt if needed). Add by the spoonful on low or stir at a time until half is added.  Add 3 tablespoons heavy cream and mix well.  Add remaining powdered sugar.  Scrape bowl until blended and then turn up the speed and beat until fluffy.  Make sure you scrape sides and bottom of bowl. 

Frost and fill 8 to 10 inch round two layer cake.

For strawberry filling chop a cup of fresh washed and diced strawberries.  Add to two 1 1/2 cups buttercream.  Add two tablespoons of your favorite strawberry jam.  Mix well and fill cake.