Christmas Tree Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare the cake mix according to package directions and bake in an oven-safe pan for the time specified on the box until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove the baked cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before decorating.

Beat the Crisco shortening and confectioners' sugar together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the water, non-dairy creamer, vanilla extract, and salt to the frosting mixture and beat until smooth and spreadable.

Divide the frosting into two portions; stir green food coloring into one portion until the desired shade of green is reached, keeping the other portion white.

Place the cooled cake on a serving plate. Frost the entire cake with white frosting to create a base layer.

Apply the green frosting over the white layer, working from the bottom of the cake upward, using a spatula to create a tree-like texture and taper the frosting toward the top to form a tree shape.

Insert the pretzel rod vertically into the center of the cake to form the trunk of the tree.

Crush the peppermint candies into small pieces and sprinkle over the green frosting to resemble ornaments and snow.

Place the gumdrop at the top of the cake as a star. Allow the frosting to set for 15-20 minutes before serving.