One of the cable shopping channels was selling two dozen scrumptious looking, large gourmet cinnamon buns for about $50. This is what my budget could support.
The directions on the box say to use one jar of cinnamon bun icing to mix into one cup of whipped heavy cream, but one brick of cream cheese and one stick of butter (both softened to room temp.) creamed together with one cup of powdered sugar, 1/4 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp vanilla extract makes a delightful substitution to blend with the whipped heavy cream.
For the cake mix (try a spice cake mix if cinnamon bun isn't available), these substitutions: milk and sour cream combo for the water, melted butter cooled to room temp. for the oil. Add one tsp of vanilla and 1/8 tsp each of nutmeg and ginger.
Bake at lowest oven temp. listed on the chart. Because making more than three layers bakes the batter very quickly, set the timer for 6 mins., then 3--4 minute intervals until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Enjoy!
