I am just about ready to give up - unfortunatly I can't. I am baking my 3rd duck cake b/c I can't seem to get it to come out, the bottom half turns out fine but the top half doesn't it gets a crusty brown layer and it's smaller. I have followed the instructions exactly and I don't understand what is going wrong. This cake is for tomorrow, so I have to get it to turn out today so I can freeze it. I would appreciate any tips that might help me, PLEASE!!!

Are you using a pound or firm textured cake mix? What I usually due is doctor up a Duncan Hines mix by replacing the ingredients with:
package (4 servings size) instant pudding mix
4 large eggs
1 1/4 cup water
1/2 cup vegetable oil

Pretty much you add an egg and use less water than the original. My 3D cakes usually get too big and batter comes out the holes. Be sure to put a tray underneath just in case. I have done this with the Strawberry, Chocolate, and Yellow cake mixes.

I hope this helps.

Yeah I finally (after 4 failed attempts) called Wilton and was told quite rudely that it requires pound cake mix, something I had apparently missed.

Thanks for that Doctoring info, it will come in handy!! i have a pound cake in the oven now so we'll find out if this one works!! I hope so, I can't take another failed cake I've already cried alot over the 4 failures!! Of course I'm sure being 7 months pregnant has nothing to do with that!!

How terrible, I am sorry I couldn't catch you sooner. Just remember to take a deep breath.

BTW, when I have a disaster, I usually make a trifle with all the extra cake that I have. Just a thought.

I'm crossing my fingers for you.

How funny!! I was thinking of making a trifle, do you have any good recipes? The cake is French Vanilla.

I usually just layer cake, pudding, and fruit a few times. Then top it off with whipped topping. Sometimes I add some nuts.

You may try something located at allrecipes. http://dessert.allrecipes.com/directory/3268.asp

Sorry, I couldn't be more help.