Valentines Day Conversation Heart Cake

Ingredients

Cake

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup butter room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon almond extract
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/4 cup milk

Buttercream Frosting

• 1 1/14 cup vegetable shortening
• 1 1/4 cup butter room temperature
• 10 cups powdered sugar
• 3 teaspoons almond extract
• 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• Conversation hearts

Instructions

Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer equipped with a paddle attachment, cream the butter and
2. shortening for about 4-5 minutes until soft and fluffy.
3. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix until just combined.
4. Add the extract and the remaining half of the powdered sugar and mix until just combined. Be
5. sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl often.
6. Add the heavy whipping cream and mix on low speed until combined.
7. Increase the speed to high and mix for an additional 4-5 minutes.

Assembly

8. Use a large, serrated knife to remove the domes from the top of each cake if necessary.
9. Place one cake layer face down on a cake stand or plate and top with about ¾ cup frosting and
10. smooth.
11. Repeat with the remaining cake layers. Once they are all stacked, smooth a thin layer of frosting
12. over the entire cake to seal in any crumbs. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
13. Smooth another thicker layer of buttercream over the entire cake. Leave about ¼ cup frosting if
14. you wish to write on the top of the cake.
15. Add an even layer of conversation hearts to cover the outside of the cake.
16. Add pink food color to the remaining buttercream and add to a piping bag with a small writing
17. tip, and pipe lettering on the top of the cake if desired.
18. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
19. Store the cake in an airtight container either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for up
20. to three days.
21. ENJOY!