California Ricotta Cake

1 pk Devil`s food cake mix

-18.25-oz size 1 Container ricotta cheese

-15-16 oz size 1/3 c Powdered sugar

1/3 c Heavy cream

2 ts Vanilla extract

2 ts Grated orange zest

1/3 c Semisweet chocolate chips

-miniature size 2/3 c Roasted almonds; diced

2 tb Orange-flavored liqeur

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Turn batter into prepared pans. Bake according to package directions (30-35 minutes). Let cake cool in pans 15 minutes, then unmold and let cool completely on wire racks. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed untl light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips and 1/3 cup almonds. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon orange liqueur over top of each cake layer. Stack cake layers together with cheese filling in between and on top and sides. Sprinkle remaining 1/3 cup almonds around top edge of cake in a 1-inch-wide ring. Refrigerate until serving time. Source: 365 Great Chocolate Desserts. Shared and MM by Judi M. Phelps (G.PHELPS1) GENIE, (JPHELPS) NVN -----