Million Dollar Cake

This Million Dollar Cake combines the richness of classic vanilla and almond flavors with a creative twist of lemon zest and a fluffy cream cheese frosting. Its layers of moist cake and vibrant frosting create a delightful texture and a burst of freshness, making it a perfect dessert for celebrations. This cake is sweet, satisfying, and beautifully balanced, catering to traditional tastes while introducing a subtle zing.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup whole milk
• 3 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
• Fresh berries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond extract, and lemon zest.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans and smooth the tops with a spatula.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
7. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to mix until well combined. Add the heavy cream and vanilla extract, mixing until fluffy.
8. Once the cakes are completely cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top.
9. Top with the second layer and frost the top and sides of the cake with the remaining cream cheese frosting.
10. Garnish with fresh berries if desired. Slice and serve!