Orange Creamsicle Mini Cake

Directions

1. 1
   For the orange cake:
2. 2
   Grease a mini cake pan (I used an 8-cavity Wilton pan) and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large bowl, mix cake mix (you'll typically need water, eggs, and oil, as directed in mix package). Add pudding mix, extra egg, extra oil, and vanilla. Beat for about 2-3 minutes.
4. 4
   Bake according to directions on the back of the box for cupcakes. Check to make sure they are done by testing with a toothpick. Due to the thickness of the cake, they make take longer to bake depending on the oven.
5. 5
   For the vanilla frosting:
6. 6
   In a mixing bowl, combine butter and shortening until smooth and creamy Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons water.
7. 7
   Add remaining powdered sugar and 2 more tablespoons of water. Mix until smooth. Add 1 to 2 more tablespoons water if desired.
8. 8
   Once the cakes are cooled, move them to a cake stand or your desired working surface. Spread or pipe the frosting around the cake and onto the top. I use an icing smoother to smooth out the frosting around the cake and a small spatula on the top. Be sure to leave about a cup of frosting for the decorative pattern at the top of the cake.
9. 9
   After you have smoothed your frosting, place a layer of sprinkles at the base of the cake. I grabbed about a half tablespoon at a time and pressed them lightly into the icing. It took me about two full turns to get them to cover the cake.
10. 10
    Use a piping bag with a small star tip, pipe a small ring of stars (or any piping tip shape you have chosen) around the top of the cake. Sprinkle orange jimmies over the pattern and garnish with a gummy orange.