Blast-Off Spaceship Cake

Ingredients

• 40  candy-coated chocolate pieces 
• 1 Tbsp decorating icing 
• 2 pkg jell-o strawberry flavor gelatin (4-serving size each)
• 1 piece string licorice cut in 2-inch pieces (10 inches)
• 2 cups water boiling
• 8 oz cool whip whipped topping thawed
• 1 pkg duncan hines classic decadent cake mix white (2-layer size)

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• oven
• baking pan
• aluminum foil
• skewers
• cutting board

Directions

1. Prepare cake batter and bake in 13x9-inch baking pan as directed on package. Cool in pan 15 min. (Do not remove cake from pan.)
2. Meanwhile, stir boiling water into dry gelatin mix in large bowl at least 2 min. until completely dissolved. Pierce cake with large fork or wooden skewer at 1/2-inch intervals. Carefully pour gelatin over cake in pan. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.
3. Dip pan in warm water 10 sec.; unmold cake onto cutting board.
4. Cut into pieces as shown in diagram and photo. Arrange pieces on large foil-covered board or platter to resemble a spaceship as shown in photo.
5. Spread top and sides of cake with whipped topping. Decorate with remaining ingredients as desired. Store in refrigerator.
6. Add sparkler candles to cake and light up just before serving to resemble the blast off!