SITTING IN BARS WITH CAKE + CHERRY BRANDY CAKE

So. Many. Cakes. I loved seeing the many creative creations of food stylist Megan Potthoff. This well-cast and heartwarming movie will give you all the feels 🥰 😭 😂. Don’t worry, there’s no THC or CBD in this cake, although it is quite boozy.

Directed by: Trish Sie

Starring: Yara Shahidi, Odessa A’Zion, and Bette Midler

Screenplay (and based on the book) by: Audrey Shulman

Seedy Cherry Cocktail Cake with Brandy Frosting (recipe from Sitting in Bars with Cake by Audrey Shulman)

For the cake:

1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

1 1/2 c. granulated sugar

3 eggs

1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. cherries, halved and pitted, plus extra for decorating

2 1/2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

6 tbsp. brandy

1/4 c. milk

For the frosting:

1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature

4 c. powdered sugar

2-3 tbsp. brandy

2-3 tbsp. milk

To make the cake:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter two 9-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment rounds, and dust with flour, tapping out the excess.

Beat the butter and sugar until creamy, then add the eggs one at a time. Add the vanilla and then the cherries.

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Working in batches, stir the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with the brandy and milk. Stir until just combined and then divide the batter between the two pans.

Bake for 25-30 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, and then loosen the sides with a knife. Invert onto wire racks to cool completely. Peel off the parchment and transfer one layer to a serving platter.

To make the frosting: Beat the butter and powdered sugar until smooth, then beat in the brandy. Add milk a little at a time, beating until fluffy and smooth. Spread some of the frosting over the bottom cake layer, top with the second cake layer, and spread the remaining frosting over the top.