It's been so long since I have posted a DIY Wednesday!  Typically, when I do post them, they are little crafty-type projects.  However, I came across this recipe that my grandma YaYa {the cake mix maven} told me about.  Pre-kiddos, when my husband and I were first married, I was in grad school when 9-11 killed the local economy, and we had to create whatever work niche we could.  That's how Robert got into wine, his current industry, and I worked as a pastry chef {which later turned into some personal chef and catering work.}  It was a fun, epicurean type lifestyle.  I used to cook very elaborate recipes {puff pastry, pie crusts, even my own sourdough starter!} and now with two kids and Joyfolie, the simplest things are a stretch for me!

This recipe, however, is as easy as they come.  It's not the most amazing cake I have ever had, but it light and small and cute.... and most importantly--easy!  It's also a fun and low-mess activity to make with the kids.

So, here is what you need:
1 angel food cake mix
1 cake mix flavor of choice
philadelphia cinnamon and honey cream cheese
cool whip
kumquats
orange juice *optional

For this recipe, you make one, tiny little cake at a time that you microwave for 1 minute.  Yes, I said microwave!  First, mix the angel food and other cake mix together in a large zip lock bag.  Next, take 3 tablespoons of the dry cake mix and 2 teaspoons of water and gently mix them together in a small bow.  Pour the batter into a greased ramekin and microwave for 1 minute.

The cooked cake will look like this:

I stacked 2 cakes on top of each other, so it looks like each person is getting their own tiny frosted birthday cake.  However, for kids, you probably want to make just one each.

Here are a couple tiny cakes cooling:
 
Next, mix the cinnamon and honey flavored cream cheese with cool whip.  I used a 1:1 ratio.  The reason I chose this flavor was because it reminded me of an Italian Cream Cake, plus I thought it was a good but approachable new flavor for the kids.... and, really, who doesn't love cream cheese frosting??

So, once the frosting is mixed, have each serving plate ready for the cakes.  Poke a few holes in the cakes and drizzle with orange juice.  Next, frost each baby cake, stacking two on top of each other and finishing with swirls of frosting.  Garnish them with sugared, sliced kumquats and, if you really want to be fancy, edible flower petals.

In literally about 10 minutes start to finish, you have adorable and light summer cakes with very little mess.  This is a great activity to do with kids.  It would also be good in a number of other flavors: chocolate, lemon, etc.  And who wouldn't be impressed, at the end of a dinner party, to be served their own tiny cake.  Hope you enjoy!

Tonight at 9 pm CST we are releasing several new children's shoes like the Mona in a glazed watercolor floral, the Brielle created for my daughter who wanted a shoe with a "little bit of heel," and the Loralie skimmers in the perfect shade of yellow.  These shoes are in stock and ready for shipment, some sizes extending up to youth 5!  

Additionally, visit our facebook page for a one-night-only discount on past styles!

Finally, to all of the moms who {like me!} are adjusting to the hectic end of the school year, we wish you a joyful transition into summer!