Piñata cake

Takes 3hrs serves 15

6tbsp sprinkles 3 x quantity of basic cake mixture For the FILLING AND Decoration 1 quantity of basic buttercream recipe 4 x 38g tubes of smarties 450g rainbow chocolate drops or Mini smarties

Add 2tbsp sprinkles to each quantity of cake mixture and cook each quantity in a 20cm round tin. If you have three tins, then the three quantities may be mixed at the same time in a big batch and divided between the tins and baked. Trim the tops from two of the cakes, to remove the darker crust and make sure they are level. Use a 7cm round cutter to cut out a hole from the centre of these two cakes. Place one of the cakes with a hole on the cake stand and spread some buttercream over the top. Place the other cake with the hole in it on top. Fill the centre with the sweets, including some of the Mini Smarties. Spread the buttercream over the top of the sponge and place the whole layer of cake on top. Spread the buttercream over the top and sides of the cake using a palette knife, taking care not to get too many crumbs in the icing. Tip the small rainbow drops or Mini Smarties on to a sheet of baking paper, and press against the side of the cake, stroking them upwards to completely cover the sides, then coat the top of the cake. For more cake decorating ideas visit our blog cushienumber.co.uk for lots of inspiring ideas