Balloon Birthday Cake

Brightly colored gumballs and balloons help to decorate whimsical, confetti balloon cakes.

Cake:
1 (18.9-ounce) package confetti, yellow or white cake mix

Frosting:
1 (2-pound) package (8 cups) powdered sugar, sifted
3/4 cup half & half
1 teaspoon almond extract
Food color

Garnishes:
2 brightly colored or white plastic 9-inch plates
Ribbon
Colored balloons, not inflated
Easter grass or colored shredded paper
Gumballs

Prepare cake according to package directions in 2 greased and floured (9-inch) round cake pans; cool completely.

Combine powdered sugar, half & half and almond extract in large mixer bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until well mixed (1 to 2 minutes). Reserve 1 cup; set aside.

Spoon remaining icing onto cakes; spread over surface and sides of each cake. Divide reserved icing between 3 small bowls. Tint with food color to make bright colors. Fill small plastic food bags with one color of icing each. Cut off tip of each bag with scissors. Decorate each cake with whimsical, geometric designs or polka dots. Place each decorated cake on bottom of plastic plate; cut off excess plate.

To serve, place Easter grass on 20-inch flat tray or aluminum foil covered cardboard. Place cakes on tray so they appear to be floating in air. For balloon strings, insert ribbons into bottom of cakes. Place balloons and gumballs around cakes in Easter grass. Makes 16 servings