Graduation Party Treats

Congratulations Ms. Emily for finishing High school!!!  I was so honored when I was asked to make the wonderful treats for this young ladies graduation party.  The Order was for 24 German choc. cupcakes, 24 cake pops, and a Very Berry Vanilla cake.  I had so much fun making each part of this order.  Here is how everything turned out.

Half of the German cupcakes I added a little graduation cap made from Piped chocolate and a peanut butter cup, also some candy for the tassel.

Cake pops were vanilla cake on the inside and white choc. on the outside.  Half of them where made with sprinkles and the year of graduation.  The other half where little people heads with a graduation cap on.

Now to the fabulous Very Berry Vanilla Cake: 

Ingredients:  Cake and Cream cheese frosting

                 Vanilla Cake:

Two boxes of vanilla cake mix   (I go with simple if I know it works and tastes good)

 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Blueberries

Raspberries

Strawberries

one lemon

Dark Chocolate

                Cream Cheese frosting:

1 brick of cream cheese (softened)
1/4 cup butter (softened)
2 teaspoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups powered sugar

Directions:
                 Cake:  Oven 350
1.  Make cake batter as directed on the back of the box but also add the teaspoon of vanilla.  I know it is a vanilla cake already but the vanilla is never tasted so adding a little more will help the flavor to pop.  (tip:  I make each box one at a time.  The second box you will only need half of the batter so have a plan for the remainder of the batter......cupcakes or cake pops are a great idea.)
2.  I made this cake a triple layer cake so you will need to make three cakes the same size.  Bake each cake round for about twenty mins.   Once the cakes have finished baking take them out of the pans and allow to cool.   (tip for baking your cakes:  Spray the edges of the pan with spray oil.  Then line the bottom of the pan with a round piece of wax paper.  I just trace the bottom of the pan onto wax paper and then cut out the round.  When you do this you will not have the cake stick to the bottom of the pan every time!!)

3.  While your cakes are baking and cooling it is time to prepare the berrys for the inside of the cake.  In a sauce pan put two handfuls of raspberries and blueberries,  then cut up five smaller strawberries into thin flat slices, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, zest of one lemon, and then lastly juice from half of the lemon.   Turn your heat onto low and let the sugar melt.  Stir very carefully and heat for only five mins.  Set aside to cool.
4.  It is time to make your frosting:  If you have one use your whisk attachment.  Cream together the cream cheese, butter, milk, and Vanilla until nice and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar while the mixer is on low speed. Will be done when smooth and spreadable.  Place in fridge until ready to use.

Now it is time to put your cake together!!!!
1)  Two of your cakes you will need to trim off the top bump of each cake.  Make them flat so when stacked they will slack flat.  Put one of the trimmed cakes on the bottom, cut side up. 
2) Add a very thin layer of the frosting on the cake top, but make a ring around the edge with the frosting. (this will act as a wall so that the fruit filling will not leak out.)   Use a spoon with holes so that the liquid will drain before you add them to the cake.  (You do not want a ton of liquid or it will make your cake soggy.)
3)  Time to add the next layer of cake, Place the other cake round that you cut the top off and put the trimmed side down on top of the berries.  Repeat step two once again, the add the last layer of cake, Look at picture above and that is how it should look like.  Place in fridge to set.  You want the cake to settle before frosting or your frosting will crack.
4)  Once the cake has settled, its time to frost the whole cake.  Start with the sides and then do the top.  To make the little flowers on the bottom and top rim use pipping tip 21.  
5)  To have some Choc. covered strawberries melt some dark choc. and dip a few strawberries, place on wax paper and allow to harden. 
6)  Now place fresh berrys on the top and round the bottom of the cake,  place in fridge until ready to serve.