Pigs in the Mud Cake

A week ago, I had never heard of this type of cake. Then one day as I was zooming around the Internet I came across this picture. The one on the right. I fell in love. I couldn't believe that it was a cake decoration.

This started my search as to who started it, recipes to make it, and how long it had been around. I didn't find out who started this little craze or when it started but I found plenty of recipes. I am including recipes for a pig in the mud cake and the pigs. After all, you need a proper cake to place the pigs on. Hope you enjoy them.

What's really great about these cakes is the fact that they can be changed to fit every occasion. The are equally appropriate for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and any old time you want a cake.

Cake instructions:

Take 1 pkg yellow cake mix, any brand, make two layers, following pkg instructions.

Set aside to cool.

Layer Filling:

Pick the filling of your choice. Recommendations: jam, fruit pie filling, whipped cream, frosting, etc. Whatever you choose.

Cake Décor:

Kit Kats candy bars. Three to four pkgs., enough to completely surround the cake.

Chocolate frosting( ready made is fine), and fondant pigs.

Instructions:

Place one layer of baked cake on a wooden board, platter, or plate.

Spread top with filling of your choice.

Place other layer on top.

Spread frosting over outside and top of cake.

Place Kit Kats around cake to cover sides.

Tie a ribbon around the outside of Kit Kats to hold them in place.

Place fondant pigs on top. Arrange them as if they are playing and rooting in the mud.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp unflavored gelatin

1/4 cup cold water

1 tsp of almond extract

1/2 cup of light corn syrup

1 tbsp of glycerin

2 lbs 10X confectioners’ sugar

1/2 tsp shortening

Directions:

Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let it rest for 2 minutes to soften.

Place the bowl in a microwave for 30 seconds on High, until the gelatin dissolves.

Add the almond extract, corn syrup and glycerin and stir until the mixture is smooth and clear (if the mixture is not turning smooth and clear, microwave it for an additional 15 to 20 seconds on high and stir again).

Sift 1 1/2 pounds of the sugar into a large bowl.

Make a hole in the sugar and pour the liquid mixture into it, stirring with a wooden spoon until the mixture becomes sticky.

Add as much of the remaining sugar as the mixture will take.

Sift the remaining confectioners sugar onto a smooth work surface.

Knead the fondant, adding a little more confectioners sugar if necessary, to form a smooth, pliable mass.

Rub the vegetable shortening on your thumbs, to keep fondant from sticking and knead it.

Wrap the fondant in plastic wrap and place it in a tightly sealed container to prevent it from drying out.

If the fondant dries out and hardens it can often be revived by popping it into a microwave oven for a few seconds and then kneading it back to life.

Add color to the fondant and knead until it is uniform.

Shape into little pig bodies and decorate cake.

Fondant in this recipe is one of the most important ingredient. Without the fondant you don't have the little pigs that make this cake so special. You can buy the fondant already made or you can make it yourself. It's your choice. Which ever way you choose, you will still be making the pigs yourself.

The pigs are easy to make and look so cute however you do them that there is no pressure in getting them just so. They are cartoonish little piggys for the top of a cake. Make sure you frost in chocolate icing to indicate they are playing or laying around in the mud. Whatever the occasion a pig in the mud cake is sure to please.