The cake needed to feed about 40 people, so I used a 10" round pan. I used 1 cake mix to make 2 thin layers. I used gel food coloring this time, but if I did it again, I would use liquid because you can measure liquid more accurately. So...add 4 drops of food coloring to the cake mix and mix as directed. Pour 1/2 of the mix into a prepared cake pan. (It will be about 2 1/2 cups) and bake according at 350 for about 18 minutes. Since I only have one pan, I had to wash the pan now to use for layer two. Add 2 more drops of food coloring to the remaining mix and bake. Continue increasing the amount of food coloring each time. I made 6 layers. I would have liked to have had more variation in the color, but you take what you get.
After I stacked and frosted the cake, I decided to decorate it with pink polka dots to match the birthday girl's romper. You could use fondant, but I decided to use white chocolate which I dyed. Follow the directions for melting a small bit at at time. I added just a touch of gel coloring each time. I spread the melted chocolate onto wax paper. You have to watch the chocolate carefully so that you cut it with a round cookie cutter at the right moment--right before it becomes completed solid. Once you have your polka dots, add them to the frosting immediately after you frost the cake.
Use a round tip to make a dot border and enjoy.
