Instructions

1. Make the cake batter following the instructions on the mix packaging. Pour the batter into the cake pans, and bake according to instructions. Remove the pans from the oven, cover with the kitchen towels, and press down lightly on the cake to level each layer.

2. Mix the frosting with the food coloring to form your desired colors. If a color becomes too dark, add some more plain icing to lighten it back up. Cover the bowls with plastic wrap and set aside.

3. Spread a thin layer of frosting on the cake board, and place the first layer on top of it. Frost the top, and then add the next cake layer, continuing to stack them until all layers have been added. Using the serrated knife, carve the sides of the cake to taper in slightly, creating a bucket shape.

4. Frost the cake with a thin layer of frosting in the base color and refrigerate for one hour. Once cooled, add another layer of frosting, and decorate as desired. You could make your cake a beach bucket for summer, a popcorn bucket for a movie buff, or any other kind of bucket.