RAINBOW CAKE

Make each layer of cake a different color. Divide the batter into smaller bowls and tint each batch with food coloring.

PICTURE CAKE

Bake a flat cake in a 9-by-13-inch cake pan. Frost it with one color and let the frosting harden. Ask your child what he or she wants to show on the cake. Draw the picture on the frosting with a toothpick, then fill it in with different shades of icing. Your child can help.

DESIGN CAKE

Bake a flat cake in a 9-by-13-inch pan. Frost it, and while the frosting is still soft, let your child make a design on the cake with gumdrops, miniature marshmallows, raisins, and/or sprinkles.

FORTUNE CUPCAKES

Write fortunes on small pieces of paper. Roll them up. Put one in the batter of each cupcake before baking. Bake, cool, and frost. Tell the children to watch for them and not to eat them! Don't use this idea with younger children.

FORTUNE PANCAKES

Make regular pancakes. Roll a fortune on paper inside. Pinch ends of pancake closed. Fold ends under and let cool in a muffin tin. They will hold their shape.

Candle Holders

Place Lifesaver candies on the cake. In each one put a candle.