Cherry Vanilla Tuxedo Cake

Here is another variation on the Tuxedo Cake that I first made for New Years.  This cherry vanilla version would be a perfect Valentine's Day dessert!

Isn't it pretty?  And it couldn't be easier!  Just start with your favorite cake mix (one that makes two nice tall 8" cake layers), add a jar of chopped maraschino cherries to the batter, reserving the juice.  Bake as directed, and let cool.

Cherry Vanilla Buttercream:
2 sticks butter
5 Tbsp maraschino juice
2 tsp vanilla
4 cups powdered sugar

Beat the butter and the juice together until the butter turns pink (fun!), add the vanilla, and then slowly add the powdered sugar.  Frost the cooled cakes.

Glaze:
4 oz semi sweet chocolate
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup corn syrup
2 tsp vanilla extract

Heat cream over medium high heat, just until it reaches a boil.  Pour over chocolate (in a separate bowl), and let stand 60 seconds.  Add corn syrup and vanilla, and stir until all the chocolate is melted.  Let cool in refrigerator for about 5 minutes, then pour over cake, guiding it over the sides.  Let cake set 1 hour before serving.

Recipe from Confessions of a Cookbook Queen