Sweetheart (Almond Cherry Walnut) Cake

Sweetheart (Almond Cherry Walnut) Cake

We knew it was Valentine’s Day in my home growing up when this cake appeared.  It was definitely my dad’s all time favorite cake and my mother knew the way to his heart.  This Sweetheart Cake is a classic recipe, filled with sweet Maraschino cherries, walnuts and almond flavoring topped with a buttery almond frosting and chopped walnuts.

Made with egg whites, the batter is light and airy.  The only change I made from my mother’s original recipe was to use whole wheat pastry flour instead of cake flour.  Admittedly the texture is a bit more dense, but the creamy frosting makes up for it.

I also cut the recipe down to accommodate a single layer cake rather than two.  Pouring and decorating cupcakes is another fun way to share this delicious cake in a mini-version.

Maraschino cherries provide the juice and the cherries.  You’ll probably have a few left over, so consider freezing them and add to a smoothie or chopping them up and stir into yogurt for a sweet treat.

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