My First Layered Cake

Yesterday was one of my best friend's 24th birthday, so I decided to bake her a cake!  Tuesday evening, I gathered all the supplies and got to work.  Since this was my first attempt at a layered cake, I turned to Christina for some advice.  Let me tell you....this girl knows her baking!  She was so kind and answered all of my silly questions as a first timer.

First, I made the box cake according to it's instructions.  I chose Strawberry, only because the store was out of Funfetti.

Then, I prepared the pans by placing a piece of wax paper in the bottom of each, sprayed a non-stick spray, and sifted flour around the entire pan.  This was a great tip that I found in Christina's post here.  It worked like a charm and I did not have any trouble removing them once they were finished baking.

While the cakes cooled in the fridge wrapped in saran wrap, I started on the icing.  I followed Christina's cream cheese icing recipe and added in her secret ingredient.  This strawberry lemonade icing was delicious!

Once the cakes cooled, I added the middle filling and the first crumb layer of icing.  Then, after thirty minutes in the fridge I placed another layer on to complete the cake.  Topped it with sprinkles and a homemade bunting, and it was the prettiest birthday cake I've ever seen!

Happy Birthday Maureen!

Stay tuned tomorrow for instructions on how to make a mini bunting, along with a FREE printable!