Red Velvet Heart Cake

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour one 8x8x2-inch square baking pan and one 8x1 1/2-inch round cake pan. Set aside. Prepare batter for Red Velvet Cake as directed. Divide batter between the prepared pans so batter is the same height in each pan (square pan will require more batter). Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool cake layers in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove layers from pans; cool completely on wire racks.

2. Using a long serrated knife, trim rounded tops of cake layers flat. Cut round cake layer in half crosswise, making two half-circles. On a large flat serving platter or tray place half-circles next to adjacent sides of square cake, making a heart shape.

3. Transfer about 1 cup of the Chocolate-Sour Cream Frosting to a small bowl. Stir in milk to thin frosting. Spread thinned frosting in a very thin layer over top and sides of cake. Let stand about 30 minutes or until set. Spread the remaining chocolate frosting over top and sides of cake. Smooth top with a long metal spatula.

4. Arrange maraschino cherries, raspberries, almonds, and pecans in separate rows on top of cake. If using, tint Creamy White Frosting pink with red food coloring (if desired). Transfer to a decorating bag fitted with a ribbon tip or other tip; pipe in rows on top of cake. Store cake, covered, in the refrigerator.