Birthday Stage Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Assorted circus-themed decorations
2. 2
   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
3. 3
   Butter and flour 2 (9-inch) round cake pans with 2-inch high sides.
4. 4
   Combine cake mixes, water, oil, and eggs in a very large bowl.
5. 5
   Beat for 3 minutes, or until well blended.
6. 6
   Divide batter between prepared pans.
7. 7
   Bake for 40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center of cakes comes out clean.
8. 8
   Cool cakes in pans on cooling rack for 20 minutes.
9. 9
   Invert cakes onto cooling rack and cool completely.
10. 10
    Cut 1 cake horizontally in half.
11. 11
    Place top cake layer, cut side up, on serving platter.
12. 12
    Spread 1/2 cup of jam over cake layer.
13. 13
    Top with bottom cake layer, cut side down.
14. 14
    Cut second cake vertically in half, forming 2 half-circle pieces.
15. 15
    Spread remaining jam over top of 1 half-circle cake, Top with second half-circle cake.
16. 16
    Place stacked half-circle cakes on top cake on platter.
17. 17
    Spread entire cake with frosting to coat completely.
18. 18
    Arrange purchased decorations on cake to resemble circus stage.