Sunflower Birthday Cake

It's birthday time again!  My oldest Hungry Puppy turned 8 yesterday!  Choosing this year's birthday cake was the easiest it has ever been.  Usually, we have to look at no less than 20 options, and whittle it down from there.  This year, she was looking over my shoulder while I was on the computer when this cake popped up.  "That's my cake Mom!!!".  Just like that.  Finding the orange and lemon slices was a bit more difficult.  Like 9 stores later difficult, but we made it, and it was fabulous, and she loved it!  Happy Birthday! Original recipe found here. 

Sunflower Birthday Cake

2 9-inch round cake layers (any flavor)
Vanilla frosting (store bought or home made. I used my favorite Vanilla Frosting recipe)
Chocolate Chips
Lemon Drops
Orange candy slices (about 20)
Lemon candy slices (about 20)
Green string licorice
Green fruit leather

Place a cake layer on a serving plate.  Spread with frosting, then place the second layer on top.  Frost the top and sides of the cake with the vanilla frosting.

Arrange the chocolate chips in a filled in circle in the middle of the cake.  Place a single ring of lemon drops around the circle of chocolate chips.  Cut the orange and lemon candy slices horizontally in half lengthwise.  Arrange the orange and lemon slices around the lemon drops, and on the sides of the cake to look like petals.  Place the green string licorice around the cake to look like vines.  Cut the fruit leather into leaf shapes and arrange on the licorice.  Makes 16 servings.

Enjoy!  -Cardamommy