Peanut free, egg free, milk free cake! OH MY!

I got a special request order from a client for her daughter's communion.  She sent me an online recipe and asked if I could make this recipe but decorate it to match the theme.  I said "no problem".  Little did I know that I was in for a cake adventure and lesson.  The online recipe calls for a box cake mixture and club soda.  That's it!!  It was a new experience for me because I never use box recipes and I never make egg free cakes.  A challenge.  I'm up for it.

I made three layers for this cake.  When I tried to level the cake, it completely collapsed and fell apart!!  I was devastated.  I decided to experiment with the other two layers and realized there was no way to make a three level cake because the inside of the cake maintains a fallen souffle like texture.  Without any eggs, there are no ingredients to bind the mixture together and give it the structure it needs for layering and definitely not leveling (cutting the top off to make it even and flat).   

On to Plan B for me.  I decided to make two layers so the weight would not cause it to collapse.  I made a milk free buttercream as well.  I prepared my cakes and gently frosted them.  The key word here is gently.  This cake is very delicate.  I made a wavy design on the top to cover the dome shape since I could not level the cake.  I used fondant to make the design around the border that matches the invitation.  Both are pictured below.

It was a great learning experience for me and for mommies out there that need this type of recipe, you can go to this link to see it.  http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/hungry-girl-club-soda-chocolate-cake

Happy Baking!  :-)