This was the easiest of the five birthday cakes I have made for my son. I started with 2 boxes of yellow cake mix prepared according to the directions on the box. I poured them into two 10" x 10" cake pans that are about 2" deep. Bake. Cool completely on wire racks. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze overnight. Having the cakes frozen (they won't be solid) helps when frosting. When ready to frost (I frosted about 4 hours before party so I wouldn't be rushed), take out of freezer. Remove plastic wrap after about 3 minutes(the condensation will stick to the wrap)and put on flat surface,(I used a cake board on top of my cutting board). Using prepared milk chocolate frosting, frost cake smooth. Then, using the end of a butter knife, create logs on sides of cake. Top with treasure (I used candy necklaces & coins, and a treasure chest candle).
Cupcakes were yellow cake prepared according to package, frosted with white prepared frosting. Blue sprinkles and a Ring Pop finish off . (Hint: I had 16 cupcakes and they were the first to go. Everyone loved the ring pops as a bonus treat.) I think I spent a total of 1 hour preparation time not including baking, cooling and freezing. This allowed me time to do the other party prep.