This black cat is fun to make, although it will take a little extra time.  Go ahead and replace the chocolate cake mix with brownie mix if you like a richer dessert.  You might want to also go through the directions for creating the “cat” shape out of the cakes before you begin cutting.  I use two circles of paper, follow the cutting directions, and put the paper shapes together to form the cat before I start cutting the cake, just to be sure I understand the directions.

1 (18.25 oz.) chocolate cake mix
1 (16 oz.) can chocolate frosting
2 yellow gumdrops
1 green gumdrop
1 red gumdrop
2 pieces of shoestring black licorice
6 pieces of candy corn

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.  Line 2 round (9 inch) cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease.

Prepare the cake or brownie mix according the package directions and pour the batter into the 2 prepared cake pans.  Bake 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Remove the pans from the oven and cool the cakes 10 minutes in the pans, then remove the cakes from the pans and place on a wire rack to cool to room temperature.  After cool, remove the parchment paper from the cakes.

Place one of the cakes on a large platter or covered board.
From the remaining cake cut a 1 in wide crescent shape slice to form the cat’s tail.
From the cut cake measure 2 inches from the center and make a vertical cut.
Cut this piece in half to form the cat’s ears and set aside.
Trim the remaining piece of the cut cake to form a circle for the cat’s head.
Spread frosting over the top and sides of the first piece of cake.
Attach the tail to the bottom of the cake with a little frosting then frost the tail.
Attach the cat’s head with frosting then frost the head.
Attach the cat’s ears with frosting then completely frost the ears.

Place the yellow gum drops on the head to represent the eyes.
Cut the green gum drop in half and attach to the yellow eyes using toothpicks.
Place the red gum drop on the face for the cat’s nose.
Cut the black licorice and press it into the cat’s face for its whiskers and mouth.
Press the candy corn into the base of the cat, three on each side, to represent its toes.

Preparation Time:  approximately 25 minutes
Baking Time:  approximately 20 minutes + cooling
Total Time:  approximately 45 minutes + cooling

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