Train Cake

Prep Time

45

Minutes

Total Time

3:30

Hrs:Mins

Makes

15

servings

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Do you know a train lover? Surprise them with a cake that's right on track.

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease bottoms only of 2 (9 x 5-inch) loaf pans with shortening or cooking spray. Make cake mix as directed on box, using water, oil and eggs. Pour batter evenly into pans.
2. Bake 28 to 33 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes. Run knife around sides of pans to loosen cakes; remove from pans to cooking racks. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Refrigerate or freeze cake 1 hour until firm.
3. Meanwhile, divide vanilla frosting evenly among 4 small bowls, tint 1 bowl frosting red, 1 bowl frosting yellow ,1 bowl frosting blue and 1 bowl frosting green with food colors. Spoon ½ cup chocolate frosting into resealable plastic bag; set aside.
4. Using serrated knife, cut rounded top off cakes to level surface; place cakes cut side down. Cut first cake as shown in diagram to make engine, being careful not to cut all the way through piece 1 when removing piece 2. Place piece 2 on top of piece 1 as shown in diagram. Cut second cake into 4 equal pieces to make cars as shown in diagram. To "crumb-coat" engine cake, spread thin layer of chocolate frosting over top and sides to seal in crumbs. For each of the car cakes, spread thin layer of red, yellow, blue and green frosting over top and sides of each car to seal crumbs. Refrigerate or freeze cakes 30 to 60 minutes.
5. Frost engine cake with remaining chocolate frosting. Cut pieces of licorice twist; place on front of engine, slanting outward, for the cow-catcher. Use licorice twist to add “trim” to the engine. Add gumdrops for engine “face” and chocolate candies for smoke stack. Top back of engine with crumbled cookies. Add gummy candy rings for wheels.
6. Frost boxcars with remaining colored frosting. Cut pieces of licorice twist to add “trim” to each of the cars. Add gummy candy rings for wheels. Top each car with assorted candies.
7. Using chocolate frosting in resealable plastic bag, snip off small corner of the bag. Pipe train tracks onto serving tray. Using large spatula transfer cakes to serving tray. Store loosely covered at room temperature.

How-To Video

Need some extra help? See how to make it.

Variation

Instead of baking the cake in two large loaves, you can use one 9-inch loaf pan and four miniature loaf pans, 4 1/2x2 3/4x1 1/4 inches each. Pour 1/2 cup batter into each mini loaf pan. Pour remaining batter into 9-inch loaf pan. Bake mini loaf pans 16 to 20 minutes; 9-inch loaf 28 to 33 minutes.

Family Fun

Store any remaining frosting in the fridge to spread on graham crackers or cookies when you need a quick treat.

Plan a Party

Get a party menu, prep guide, tips, party games, activities and more for a Train Birthday Party!