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Circus Animal Layer Cake

This whimsical Circus Animal Layer Cake features fluffy vanilla cake layers, sweet frosting, and colorful circus animal cookies, perfect for family gatherings and celebrations.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 12 pieces
Course: Cake, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Ingredients
  • 1 box vanilla cake mix
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup crushed circus animal cookies
Frosting and Decoration
  • 1/2 cup pink frosting
  • 1/2 cup white frosting
  • Sprinkles for decoration

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat two 9-inch round cake pans with cooking spray or butter and lightly dust with flour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the vanilla cake mix, eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Gently fold in the crushed circus animal cookies, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking
  1. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  2. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Once cool, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread the pink frosting over the top.
  2. Carefully place the second layer on top and frost the top and sides with the white frosting.
  3. Finish decorating with additional sprinkles and whole circus animal cookies to create a fun display.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a gluten-free vanilla cake mix. For dairy-free, substitute almond milk. Ensure cakes are completely cooled before frosting to prevent melting. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to a week. Freeze slices for up to 3 months.