Quick & Simple Cherry Fudge Cake ~ Perfect for Valentine's Day, Potlucks & More ❣

A delicious cake square 

decorated for Valentine's Day

Ingredients:

butter for greasing

all purpose flour for dusting

1 box chocolate fudge cake mix

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

1 teaspoon almond extract**

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup granulated sugar

5 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup milk

1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

whipping cream (optional)

chocolate or red candy hearts (optional)

Valentine sprinkle cake & cookie decorations

Method:

Preheat oven to 350*. Grease the sides and bottom of a 9 x !3 inch baking pan with butter. Add a few tablespoons of flour. Tap and rotate the pan to dust the sides and bottom. Remove excess flour and set the pan aside.

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix, cherry filling, almond extract,** and eggs just until the dry ingredients are moistened and all is well mixed. Add the batter to the prepared pan and spread evenly. Place the pan on a cookie sheet and bake for 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and place the cake pan on a cooling rack.

Add the sugar, butter and milk to a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil, stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until fully blended and smooth. 

Pour over the partially cooled cake. Use a bowl scraper to spread the icing evenly over the top of the cake. Continue cooling on a rack and then transfer to the refrigerator to finish cooling completely.

Slice into 15 squares. If desired, just before serving, garnish with a small dollop of whipped cream and a chocolate heart or red heart candies, or candy sprinkles. Makes 15 servings.

**If you don't like or don't have almond extract, you may substitute vanilla extract, but I think the almond extract is perfect for this cake. 

Notes: This simple & easy cake is a crowd pleaser! It is very tasty, but rich, so you only need a small serving. It is fine on it's own, but extra special when decorated with  whipped cream and candy.