1 box butter flavored cake mix
1 bottle red food color
3 eggs
1 stick butter (half melted in microwave)
1 cup whole milk or buttermilk
1/4 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla flavor

Preheat Oven 325°F.

Grease and flour 3 8-inch cake pans. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl and beat on medium speed for 4 minutes.

Divide batter and spread evenly in the 3 pans.

Bake approximately 20 to 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Turn each cake out onto a paper towel to cool.

Frosting:

2 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese
2 sticks of butter (1/2 lb)
3/4 bag powdered sugar of 2 lb. bag (1 1/2 lbs.)

For heavy duty mixer, put cream cheese and butter in bowl. Beat until smooth, add powdered sugar, a small amount at a time until about 3/4 of bag is used. You may optionally add chopped pecans chopped to the frosting, if desired.

** Always frost each layer face down with bottom facing up; this makes a smooth and perfectly shaped cake.

Submitted by: Louise Cherry