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Holiday Gift Cake

More than 25 years ago, to remind my two young children of the real meaning of the season, I decided our Christmas dinner should include a birthday cake. This rich lovely dessert has served that purpose ever since.

12 ServingsPrep: 25 min. Bake: 1 hour 20 min.

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs
2-1/4 cups cake flour
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 jar (8 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup chopped pecans
GLAZE:
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Birthday candles, optional

Directions

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine
flour and baking powder; gradually add 2 cups to batter. Set aside
five to six cherries for garnish. Chop the remaining cherries; add
to remaining flour mixture with pecans. Fold into batter.
Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at
325° for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted
near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pan
to a wire rack to cool completely.
For glaze, combine sugar and milk in a small bowl; stir until smooth.

2 of 2

Holiday Gift Cake (continued)

Directions (continued)

Drizzle over cake. Decorate with reserved cherries and candles if
desired. Yield: 12 servings.

Editor's Note: Green maraschino cherries may also be used for garnish.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 slice) equals 533 calories, 27 g fat (14 g saturated fat), 133 mg cholesterol, 283 mg sodium, 69 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 6 g protein.