INGREDIENTS
CAKE:
1 cup
unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 3/4 cups
granulated white sugar
2 1/2 cups
cake flour
1 1/4 tsp
salt
2
large eggs
1 cup
buttermilk
1 tsp
vanilla extract
1 tsp
baking soda
1 1/2 tsp
white vinegar
1 1/2 tsp
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 oz
red food coloring (use 2 ounces if you desire a deeper red color)
SYRUP:
1/3 cup
granulated white sugar
1/3 cup
water
1/2 tsp
vanilla extract
THE REST:
4 oz
cream cheese, at room temperature
1
tub mascarpone cheese
1/3 cup
granulated white sugar
2 cups
heavy whipping cream
1 cup
sliced almonds- about
4 oz
shaved dark chocolate- about
mint leaves & fresh cranberries for garnish, optional