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Step 1
BAKE THE CAKES:.
Step 2
I baked the cakes on two different days; for each cake preheat the oven to 350*F.
Step 3
Add 1 box of cake mix, 1 box of jello (lime jello with the yellow cake, strawberry jello with the strawberry cake), 3/4 cup oil, 3/4 water, and 4 eggs in a large bowl.
Step 4
Mix on low with an electric mixer, when ingredients are moistened, mix on high for 3 minutes.
Step 5
For the yellow cake, use a 9X13", greased pan for baking.
Step 6
Bake at 350* for 40 minute.
Step 7
Use caution, this type of cake can fall if it is disturbed early.
Step 8
For the strawberry cake, divide the batter evenly between 2 8", greased, loaf pans.
Step 9
I am unsure of the baking time for the loaf pans, I would carefully check them at 30 minutes and add time accordingly.
Step 10
Doneness of the cakes can be tested with a toothpick poked in the center to see if it comes out dry or wet.
Step 11
After cakes have cooled, remove from pans and freeze at least 3 hours for easy in cutting and shaping.
Step 12
MAKE THE FROSTING:.
Step 13
Using Caryn's 7 Minute Frosting recipe, you will need at least one and half batches; you can make two full batches if you want, but I don’t think it is necessary.
Step 14
For each batch of frosting, add the appropriate amount of sugar, water, egg whites, corn syrup and salt in the top of a double boiler (I use a heat proof glass mixing bowl on top of a sauce pan as I don't have a double boiler).
Step 15
Blend.
Step 16
Place over simmering water.
Step 17
With an electric mixer, beat the mixture constantly at high speed for 7 minutes or until the mixture triples in volume and holds firm peaks.
Step 18
Remove from heat add the appropriate amount of vanilla and the appropriate food color for either a full recipe or a half recipe.
Step 19
Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Step 20
BUILD THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD:.
Step 21
After freezing yellow (green) cake for 3 hours or more, use a serrated bread knife to divide the cake in half horizontally.
Step 22
Now carefully cut the top layer in half vertically.
Step 23
Cut the top layer in half again, this time from the other side of the cake.
Step 24
The top layer is now cut into four equal rectangles.
Step 25
Carefully remove each rectangle using a wide spatula and set aside.
Step 26
Frost the bottom layer with yellow frosting reserving enough to frost the top layer and the sides of the cake(see pic 2).
Step 27
Replace the rectangles and frost top and sides with the remaining yellow frosting.
Step 28
If you like, use an accent color "draw" the lines of the bricks on top of the frosting - I did this, but I don't think it added to the over all affect.
Step 29
CARVE AND FROST THE RUBY SLIPPERS:.
Step 30
On a piece of paper about 8 1/2 inches long by 4 inches wide draw the rough shape of the sole of a shoe; this is your pattern, make sure your drawing is not bigger than the loaf, it should go to the edges of the loaf.
Step 31
Cut out your pattern.
Step 32
After freezing loaf cakes for at least 3 hours, remove 1 loaf from the freezer.
Step 33
Use tooth picks to secure the pattern to the top of the loaf (see pic 3).
Step 34
Begin to carve the loaf into the shoe shape.
Step 35
Make a small indentation on each side at the bottom to resemble a heel.
Step 36
Remove the pattern.
Step 37
Cut away a little cake at a time to form the shape of the toe of the shoe.
Step 38
Cut diagonally down for about two thirds of the length towards the toe to give the effect of high heels.
Step 39
Round the edges.
Step 40
Carve out a shallow indentation in the top 1/3 that is still level to create the mouth of the shoe.
Step 41
If necessary, freeze again for an hour to make frosting easier.
Step 42
Turn an 8x8" baking dish upside down; this is to get the shoe higher up so the edges can be more easily frosted and sugared.
Step 43
Place the long, narrow spatula on top of the baking dish.
Step 44
Put the shoe cake on top of the spatula, the heel of the shoe should be near the handle (pic 4).
Step 45
Frost with red frosting.
Step 46
Sprinkle with red sugar.
Step 47
Now the tricky part, with one hand begin to lift the shoe with the long spatula.
Step 48
If necessary, use another spatula to help lift the other end.
Step 49
Slowly and carefully place the shoe on the yellow brick road so the toe and heel are going in the long (13") direction of the cake-you pretty much only have one shot at this.
Step 50
Repeat with second loaf cake (see pic 5).
Step 51
Add wording or accent frosting if you choose (see pic 6).
Step 52
Refrigerate if you do not plan on serving the cake for several hours - or days.
Step 53
I suggest making this cake at the house where it will be served; I only had to drive 7 miles with the one I made, but it was uphill and winding; the shoes are just balanced on top, so it was a nerve racking drive! I don't think I breathed the whole way.
Step 54
P.S.
Step 55
You will get your quota for sugar and food color when you eat this cake.