Sweetheart Cake

I saw this Lucky Leaf Sweetheart Cake on a few different blogs leading up to Valentine's Day. We are on a super tight budget this Valentine's Day, but I really wanted to do something for both sets of our parents. I was thrilled when I saw this recipe because 3/4 grandparents REALLY (like REALLY) love all things cherry. I figured if I could pull of this cake, it would not only be the cheapest way to go, but perhaps the most thoughtful as well.

Here is the recipe, from www.luckyleaf.com -

Ingredients

• 1 (18.25 oz.) dry white cake mix (or your favorite flavor)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract (optional)
• 1 (21 oz.) can LUCKY LEAF PREMIUM CHERRY PIE FILLING
• 1 c. butter, softened
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. almond extract (optional)
• 4 c. (1lb.) confectioners sugar, sifted
• 2-4 Tbsp. milk

Directions

Preheat oven to 325° F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch. Mix together on medium speed; dry cake mix, eggs, baking powder, both extracts and ½ can of LUCKY LEAF Premium Cherry Pie Filling until moistened. Fold in the remaining ½ can of cherry pie filling by hand until blended. Batter should appear thick. Pour batter into pan and level with a spatula. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until an inserted toothpick comes out clean. Remove cake from oven, and allow to cool completely in the pan before icing.

*For Icing: Cream together butter and both extracts. Slowly add sifted confectioners sugar, beating well. Add 2 Tbsp. milk. Mix well. If needed, continue adding milk 1 Tbsp. at a time, until icing is smooth and spreadable.

*Decorating Idea: Spoon additional cherry pie filling over the pieces when served. Sprinkle sliced almonds or mini chocolate chips on top of the iced cake.

*Substitutions: Substitute two 16 oz tubs of any flavor prepared icing, for the buttercream icing recipe above. If using a Wilton 9 x 2-1/2 inch heart-shaped cake pan, Bake at 325° F for 65-75 minutes.

Makes 15 servings

***

I followed the directions exactly, except that I didn't have a heart shaped pan. Instead, I baked two single layers for 30 minutes at 325. They turned out perfectly. The icing recipe made just enough to cover the top of each one of them. I was able to frost the sides.

The cake turned out really, really delicious. My dad ended up taking his to a couples game night, and I heard they all loved it and wanted the recipe. I guess that means it was a hit! Perhaps we'll make this cake a Valentine's tradition!

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