Sweet Story Valentine Cake

Ingredients

• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract 
• 6 servings almonds sliced for garnish
• 5 teaspoons double-acting baking powder 
• 12 ounces cake flour 
• 12 ounces powdered sugar 
• 6 large egg whites 
• 10.5 ounces granulated sugar 
• 1 cup maraschino cherries packed chopped
• 4 tablespoons milk 
• 6 servings salt 
• 3 ounces butter unsalted soft
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

Equipment

• bowl
• baking paper
• oven
• whisk
• wire rack
• offset spatula

Directions

1. For the Cake: Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat to 350°F. Line 2 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper and lightly grease sides. Stir butter, sugar, and salt in large bowl until very creamy.
2. Whisk in egg whites, a portion at a time, until completely combined.
3. Whisk in vanilla and almond extracts.
4. Whisk in milk and cherries, and a few dabs of food coloring (if desired).
5. Add flour, baking powder, and almonds to the bowl, then whisk until just combined.
6. Divide batter between pans and bake until center is just set, 25 to 30 minutes.
7. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes, then invert onto wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
8. For the Frosting: Stir butter, sugar, small pinch salt, vanilla, almond extract, and 2 tablespoons milk in large bowl until moistened.
9. Whisk until light and creamy, adding more milk as necessary (see note). Tint with a few dabs of food coloring if desired.
10. Place one cake layer on serving plate.
11. Spread with thin layer of frosting. Top with second layer and use remaining frosting to cover cake, swirling with a spoon or offset spatula.
12. Garnish with sliced almonds.