Sunday, February 14, 2010

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!

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam, Tempt My Tummy Tuesdays, Tuesdays at the Table, LifeasMom,

18 comments:

  1. The cake looks yummy. Maybe I can find some cherry pie filling on sale.

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  2. I ended up buying the Hy-Vee brand. It was considerably cheaper and tasted great!

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  3. YUM...I love the cherry/almond combination. I wonder if you could just some frozen cherries thickened with a little cornstarch. Those canned cherry pie fillings never have enough real cherries in them for my taste :)

    Blessings!
    Gail

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  4. WOW!!! I love all the cherries. THANKS!!! for sharing this GREAT!!! recipe.
    Geri

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  5. I like Cherry and this is an easy recipe so I copied it for another day when I need a cherry fix. It looks pretty too.
    Joyce

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  6. Wonderful! Yea for new traditions.

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  7. I love the cherry/almond flavor combination, so this cake looks perfect for me. Great idea to make two round cakes instead of one oblong, too!

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  8. That looks delicious!!!

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  9. Your cake looks wonderful! Thanks for posting!

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  10. MMMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! That looks divine!

    :)

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  11. Yum! Thanks for linking up for Friday Favorites! I'm featuring you this week! Come by and grab my featured button if you'd like one!

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  12. That is a beautiful pie.

    I'd love to have you stop by and link up with Sweet Tooth Fridays! http://alli-n-son.com/2011/02/10/spicy-chocolate-chip-cookies/

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  13. Very pretty, I'm sure they loved it! Happy Valentine's Weekend:@)

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  14. Oh my! This is such a delicious looking cake! Love that bright red color! So perfect for Valentine's day.

    Amy
    http://utryp.it

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  15. oooo, that sounds delicious, and what a beautiful present it makes! Thank you for linking this to my Valentine party. laurie

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  16. ooops! Forgot to tell you I love your blog name - so clever. laurie

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