Combine flour, baking powder and salt in small bowl; set aside.

Combine sugar and 2/3 cup butter in large bowl; beat at medium speed until well mixed. Increase speed to high. Add eggs and 1 teaspoon almond extract; continue beating until well mixed. Reduce speed to low; add flour mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.

Spread batter evenly into prepared pans. Bake for 30 to 33 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes in pans; remove to wire cooling racks. Cool completely.

Cut each cake in half horizontally making 2 layers each; set aside.

Place whipping cream in large bowl; beat at medium speed until slightly thickened. Add 1/2 cup powdered sugar; continue beating until stiff peaks form. Add maraschino cherry juice; continue beating until well mixed. Gently stir in maraschino cherries.

To assemble cake, place 1 layer onto serving plate, cut-side up. Place strips of waxed paper under edges of cake. Spread 1 cup filling over top. Place second layer over filling, cut-side down; spread 1 cup filling over top. Place third layer over filling, cut-side up; spread 1 cup filling over top. Place remaining layer over filling; cut-side down. Cover with plastic food wrap; refrigerate 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, combine 5 cups powdered sugar, vanilla and 1/2 teaspoon almond extract in large bowl. Add enough half & half for a thick glaze consistency; beat at low speed until well mixed. Spread glaze over top of cake, allowing glaze to flow over sides, covering top and sides completely. Let stand until glaze is set; remove waxed paper strips from bottom edge of cake. Decorate as desired. Store refrigerated.

Yield: 16 servings

Cooks Tip: If using dark cake pans, reduce oven temperature to 325°F.

Cooks Tip: To make ahead, prepare cake layers as directed; do not slice. Wrap each in plastic food wrap; refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze up to 2 weeks. If frozen, thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes; slice cakes into layers. Prepare filling and glaze as directed. Assemble cake as directed.

Preparation time: 15 minutes; Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes.

Submitted by: LAND O LAKES®