Present M&M Cake

• 1). Scoop 1/2 cup white buttercream icing on the surface of a square or rectangle sheet cake.
  
  
• 2). Spread the icing around the surface and sides of the cake with an icing spatula. Add more icing as needed to completely cover the cake with the icing.
  
  
• 3). Draw lines across the icing with a toothpick to create a cross shape through the center of your cake. The cross should be roughly 2 inches wide. This cross shape will form the "ribbon" made with the M&M candies.
  
  
• 4). Continue marking the lines down the side of the cake using the toothpick.
  
  
• 5). Using the lines as a guide, scatter regular M&Ms inside the cross shape. Fill the shape with M&Ms until none of the icing shows through.
  
  
• 6). Lightly press the candies into the icing with your finger.
  
  
• 7). Create a bow out of satin ribbon. Dab a small amount of icing at the center of the cross shape. Press the ribbon bow into the icing to complete the "wrapping" theme.
  
  

Brownie Ice Cream Cake

• 1). Prepare the batter for a box of brownie mix according to the instructions.
  
  
• 2). Spray 2 8-inch round cake pans with cooking spray. Divide the brownie batter evenly between each pan.
  
  
• 3). Bake the brownies according to the suggested temperature for 25 to 40 minutes or until they have set. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the brownies. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. If batter or numerous crumbs cling to the toothpick, continue baking the brownies and checking for doneness every 5 minutes.
  
  
• 4). Remove the brownies from the oven and allow to cool completely for two to three hours.
  
  
• 5). Slide a knife around the perimeter of the brownies to loosen them from the pan. Invert the pan over baking racks to dislodge the brownies.
  
  
• 6). Place one brownie on a cake plate. Scoop 1 cup of softened vanilla frozen yogurt or ice cream on the brownie. Spread the ice cream evenly over the surface with an icing spatula. Sprinkle a layer of regular M&Ms over the ice cream.
  
  
• 7). Spread another cup of softened ice cream over the candy layer. Scatter a layer of peanut M&Ms over top the second layer of ice cream. Repeat a third time, spreading a final layer of ice cream over the peanut M&Ms but do not add another layer of candy.
  
  
• 8). Place the top brownie layer over the third layer of ice cream. Scoop 1/2 cup of chocolate icing on the top of the final brownie layer. Smooth the icing over the surface with an icing spatula.
  
  
• 9). Press a ring of peanut M&Ms around the perimeter of the ice cream cake. Use regular M&Ms to press into the exposed sides of the middle ice cream layer.
  
  
• 10
  
  Place the cake in the freezer and chill for 2 hours before serving.