Heart Shaped Cherry Cake

Ingredients:

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup milk
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• Red food coloring (optional for pink tone)

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 cup cherry pie filling or fresh cherries (pitted)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ¼ cup water (for fresh cherries)

For Decoration:

• Whipped cream or frosting
• Fresh cherries or maraschino cherries
• Heart-shaped cake pan

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a heart-shaped cake pan.
2. Make the Cake Batter:
   • In a bowl, beat sugar and butter until fluffy.
   • Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
   • In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
   • Add dry ingredients alternately with milk into the butter mixture.
   • Add red food coloring if desired.
3. Bake:
   • Pour batter into the prepared pan.
   • Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
   • Let cool completely before decorating.
4. Prepare Cherry Topping (if using fresh):
   • In a saucepan, cook cherries, sugar, water, and cornstarch over medium heat until thickened.
   • Let it cool.
5. Decorate:
   • Spread whipped cream or frosting over the cake.
   • Spoon cherry topping over the top.
   • Add extra cherries for decoration.