SCHOOL BUS CAKE

Steps:

• Prepare cake mix according to package directions using oil, water and eggs.
• Pour batter into two greased 8-in. x 4-in. x 2-in. loaf pans.
• Bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.
• Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Place cakes end to end on a 22-in. x 8-in. covered board.
• Level if needed.
• From the top of one end, form the front of the bus by cutting out a section 1 inches deep and 3 inches long (Save the removed piece for another use.)
• For frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter and shortening until fluffy.
• Add 6 cups confectioners' sugar, milk, vanilla and salt; beat until smooth.
• Add enough remaining confectioners' sugar until desired consistency is reached.
• Tint 3/4 cup frosting with black food coloring; set aside.
• Tint remaining frosting yellow.
• Frost top and sides of cake with yellow frosting.
• Frost cut edge of cookies with yellow frosting to form wheel wells; place two cookie halves on each side of bus.
• Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert a #5 round tip.
• Fill the bag with black frosting.
• Outline windows on both sides of bus; pipe strips under windows.
• Pipe windshield and back window; fill in with black frosting.
• Pipe lines on front of grille.
• Place yellow gumdrops on front of bus for headlights; place red gumdrops on front and back for lights.