Holiday Gift Cake

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
• 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 eggs
• 2-1/4 cups cake flour
• 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 jar (8 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Birthday candles, optional

1. In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Combine flour and baking powder; gradually add 2 cups to batter. Set aside five to six cherries for garnish. Chop the remaining cherries; add to remaining flour mixture with pecans. Fold into batter.
2. Pour into a greased and floured 10-in. fluted tube pan. Bake at 325u0b0 for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes; remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.
3. For glaze, combine sugar and milk in a small bowl; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cake. Decorate with reserved cherries and candles if desired.

cream cheese, butter, sugar, vanilla, eggs, cake flour, baking powder, maraschino cherries, pecans, sugar, milk, candles

Taken from www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/holiday-gift-cake/ (may not work)