Whimsical Snowflake Cake

Tis the season for snowfall in Canada. YAY!!
What do you do when you want snow but you don't have any?  Take a drive to the local ski hill?  Make paper cutouts to string along frosty windows?  Check out photos of places on the internet?
How about making this tasty cake?  Its sure to please the palate and get you into the wintery mood.
A big ole slice with a nice hot cup of cocoa mmmmmm

Since no two snowflakes are alike you can freehand your flakes and get rip roaring creative OR you could download templates (cheaters) and use parchment paper to transpose them.
This cake is also great for getting your kids into baking with you.  Have them create the snowflakes that will decorate the entire surface.
Little Ugh LOVES to bake with me so it was a no brainer to know that he'd want to help out on this one too.  I can only dream that he is going to want to bake with me for a few more years - not likely *sigh*



1 pkg. Duncan Hines yellow cake mix
2 pkgs. instant vanilla pudding
1 c. milk
3 c. whipped topping
1/4 c. icing sugar
1/4 c. blueberry jam (or strawberry or any fruit really)
6 squares white chocolate
handful of silver edible balls

Prepare cake mix as per box for 2 8" cakes adding 1 pkg vanilla pudding as well.  Cool on wire racks while preparing your chocolate snowflakes and filling.

Snowflakes:
Melt chocolate in a double boiler until smooth.  Let cool for 5 minutes.
Use a resealable plastic bag, place chocolate in and (if you have cake decorating supplies use a #6 round tip) cut a small hole to pipe the flakes.  Use either a template or freehand snowflakes that measure approximately 3" or so in diameter. Place in the freezer for 10 minutes to set.
This should make approximately 30 snowflakes which is enough to decorate the entire cake.

To make the filling/topping take the second vanilla pudding package in a bowl and mix with icing sugar and milk.  Whisk for 2 minutes.  Fold in whipped topping.

To assemble:
On a cake plate lay first cake down, pour warmed jam and spread along the entire surface.  Take 1/3 c. filling and spread onto the jam.  Place second cake on top.  Ice the rest of the cake with the remainder of the frosting (sides and all).  Take your snowflakes and place them sporadically on the sides of the cake as well as the top.
TADA

adapted from a recipe found on the Kraft website