Preparation Steps

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla extract.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Gradually stir in the hot water until the batter is smooth. The batter will be thin.
• Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
• Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before inverting them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
• While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a large bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, beating until smooth and creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.
• Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one cake and place the other cake on top. Frost the entire cake with the cream cheese frosting.
• Melt the pink candy melts according to package directions. Use a small amount to make ears and snouts for the piglets. Let them set.
• Use mini marshmallows for eyes and nostrils. You can use a black edible marker to draw pupils on the marshmallows and details on the snout.
• Arrange the decorated ears, snout, and eyes onto the frosted cake to create your animated piglets.