Birthday Present Cake

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 2 (8-inch) square pans with shortening; lightly flour. Make cake mix as directed on box, using water, butter and eggs. Pour batter into pans. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes; remove from pans to cooling racks. Cool completely.

In large bowl, beat butter and cream cheese with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until blended. Beat in vanilla and almond extract.

Trim rounded tops off cakes; brush off crumbs. On serving plate, place 1 cake, cut side up. Spread with frosting. Top with second cake. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining frosting.

On surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, roll out fondant to 1/8-inch thickness. Cut 8 (7x1 1/4-inch) strips, rerolling scraps if needed. Place 4 strips on cake to look like ribbon. Fold 2 strips to look like bow loops; pinch ends. Wrap small strip of fondant around center to secure bow; place fondant bow on cake. Trim ends of remaining 2 strips; place on cake beneath bow to look like ribbon. Decorate with chocolate candies.