Single Layer Birthday Cake

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25-ounce) box chocolate cake mix (recommended: Betty Crocker)
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 teaspoons almond extract, divided
• 1/2 cup white cranberry juice
• 1 (16-ounce) can white frosting or 1 (16-ounce) can chocolate frosting
• Colorful jimmies

Directions

2 old fashioned glass soda bottles, 1 cola, 1 lemon-lime

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray 2 (8-inch) round baking pans with baking spray; set aside.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, oil, eggs, 1 1/2 teaspoons extract and white cranberry juice. Use an electric mixer to beat cake batter on low speed for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl and beat for 2 minutes on medium speed.

Divide batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake in preheated oven for 32 to 35 minutes, or until tester comes away clean.

Let cakes cool completely. Use a cookie cutter or water glass to cut out a circle to fit the soda bottle - it will nest into cake.

Add remaining 1 teaspoon extract to frosting and stir thoroughly. Frost entire cake. Sprinkle with colorful jimmies. Insert soda bottle into hole and serve.