Cactus Cake

• 2 packages white cake mix (regular size)
• 2 envelopes whipped topping mix (Dream Whip)
• 2-1/2 cups whole milk
• 6 large eggs
• 2/3 cup canola oil
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 9 cups confectioners' sugar
• 4 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 6 to 10 tablespoons whole milk
• Red and green gel food coloring
• 1 each sprinkles and M&M's minis

1. In a large bowl, combine the first five ingredients; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes.
2. Pour into two greased and floured
3. s. Bake at 350u0b0 for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
4. Level cake tops if necessary. Cut a 12x3-1/2-in. strip from one long side of one cake. Place the larger rectangle on a 20x18-in. covered board for cactus stem; place strip below it for the base. Round top corners of cactus stem.
5. Cut two 5-1/2-in. squares from second cake for cactus branches. Cut a 3-in. square from one corner of each 5-1/2-in. square. (Save remaining cake for another use.) Position one branch on each side of cactus stem. Round top corners of branches.
6. In a large bowl, cream butter until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners' sugar; beat until smooth. Add vanilla and enough milk to achieve spreading consistency. Frost cake base with 1 cup frosting. Tint 1/4 cup frosting red; set aside. Tint remaining frosting green; frost cactus.
7. Cut a small hole in the corner of a pastry or plastic bag; insert round tip #3 and fill with red frosting. Pipe "Fiesta" and wavy designs on top and sides of base. Decorate cactus with chocolate sprinkles; decorate base with M&M's.

white cake, milk, eggs, canola oil, butter, sugar, vanilla, milk, red, sprinkles

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/cactus-cake/ (may not work)