Valentine Cake

This is basically a yellow cake.

From scratch, please.

But it's filled with NUTELLA.

And it has pink frosting and strawberries.

For something like this, trust the Betty Crocker cookbook.  Yellow cake recipe.  And a basic buttercream frosting.

But please, try the Nutella filling.  If you haven't experienced the glory of this product, run - don't walk - to the grocery store and head to the peanut butter aisle.  Look up on the top shelf.  Get the big jar, because you'll want some leftover to put on toast or crepes.  What on earth could ever be wrong with chocolate hazelnut spread, right?

It may or may not be good eaten directly from the jar with a spoon, but Sassy will neither confirm nor deny such a claim.  You and your thighs are on your own in that department.

Sassy Valentine Cake

2 1/4 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

3 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon salt

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup butter, softened

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

3 large eggs

In a large bowl, beat all ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl constantly.  Increase speed to high and mix for 3 minutes, scraping occasionally.

Pour into pans that have been buttered and floured (one 9 x 13, two 9 inch rounds, or three 8 inch rounds).  Bake at 350 (40 minutes for the large pan, 25-35 for rounds) - testing with a toothpick in the center that comes out clean.

Cool before frosting!

Buttercream Frosting

1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar

2-3 tablespoons milk or cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 drops red food coloring

Beat until fluffy and smooth.

Nutella

Strawberries

Assemble cake:  Spread Nutella between layers.  Frost top and sides with buttercream frosting.  Decorate with strawberries.

Happy Valentine's Day from the Sassy House!