Starting with a simple box cake mix, this stunning festive creation is easy every step of the way.

Ingredients

1 pkg. (2-layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 pkg. (4-serving size) Jell-O Chocolate Instant Pudding
1 pkg. (250 g) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 pkg cup icing sugar
1-1/2 cups thawed Cool Whip Whipped Topping
1 ice cream cone
1 piece red string licorice (2 inch)
Decorating gel
Coloured sugar

Just Follow Our Simple Steps

1. PREHEAT oven to 350°F. Lightly grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepare cake batter as directed on package. Blend in dry pudding mix. Pour evenly into prepared pans. Bake as directed on package. Cool 10 min.; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely

2. MEANWHILE, beat cream cheese and icing sugar in small bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add whipped topping; stir until well blended.

3. PLACE one of the cake layers on serving plate; spread with one-third of the cream cheese mixture. Cover with remaining cake layer. Ever wondered how to get that perfect, flat top for you layer cake? The easiest way is to simply flip the top cake upside down.

4. SPREAD top and side of cake with remaining cream cheese mixture. For a smooth finished cake, apply a crumb coating (a thin layer of icing) and let it set before continuing to ice.

5. DECORATE top of cake with decorating gel and coloured sugar as desired. To create a simple festive pattern on any iced cake, draw a design using coloured gels and fill in with coloured sugar. Poke two small holes in bottom of ice cream cone; insert ends of licorice into holes leaving small loop at top. Place cone next to cake to resemble ornament hanger. Store in refrigerator.

Makes 16 servings, one slice (87 g) each.