Sweetheart Cake

I have to share the story behind this wonderfully, devine creation. I asked my husband what his favorite kind of cake was and he replied, "Cherry Pie". Hmmm, I thought to myself, never heard of that. Little did I know, he really meant Cherry Pie. So I thought I would really surprise him one day...and this is a winner in our house. Everytime I make it, it comes out better. Hope you like it too.



2 cups flour
1½ sugar
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
½ cup milk
½ cup cherry juice
½ Crisco
2 tsp vanilla extract
4 egg whites
1 can cherry pie filling
Cherries and Pecan halves (optional)



Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, cherry juice and shortening in a large mixing bowl until well blended. Add egg whites and vanilla and beat on high for 3 minutes. Pour into two greased and floured 9 inch round baking pans. Bake at 350º for 30 minutes. Let cool on racks for 5 minutes and then remove from pans and cool completely. Once cooled slice each cake through the middle. Top bottom half with half of the can of cherry pie filling, then add top of cake, spread with frosting, add next bottom and top with cherry pie filling, then add top and frost whole cake. Decorate with cherries and pecans if desired.

FROSTING

¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup cream cheese
½ cup Crisco
1 Tbsp vanilla
4½ cups confectioner’s sugar
3 Tbsp (more or less) half + half

Combine all ingredients except half and half in large mixing bowl and beat well. Add half & half for spreading consistency; store in refrigerator.


© Crackerberries 2011

Mimi Hill's Maraschino Party Cake

Okay, me following Mimi’s recipe was not the easiest thing in the world. My Mom loves this cake I think because her mom had her crack the walnuts. I cheated and bought the already shelled ones. Here you take a look at the original recipe. I would have called my Mimi up if she was still alive. I think it came out pretty good, considering what I had to work with.


1¼ cup sugar
½ cup shortening
½ tsp salt
2 eggs
½ cup cherry juice
¼ cup milk
1 tsp lemon juice
½ cup or more chopped cherries
½ cup chopped walnuts
2 cups flour
2½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp almond flavoring

Cream the sugar and shortening together. Add eggs to shortening mixture. Combine milk, cherry juice, lemon juice and almond flavoring in large measuring cup. Combine flour, baking powder and salt together in separate bowl. Alternate adding flour and milk mixture to creamed sugar until well combined. Fold in cherries and walnuts. Spread into greased and floured baking pan. Bake at 350º for 30-35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Use creamy white frosting and top with cherries and walnuts for garnish.


© Crackerberries 2009