This elegant dessert is one I made for my family just because I wanted to serve them something special. It not only looks beautiful, it is delicious as well. Just a few simple ingredient and you have a dessert that will many compliments and will be asked for over and over again.

Tonight’s Dessert: Strawberry-Almond Chocolate Cake

Strawberry-Almond Chocolate Cake

Cake: 1 box devil’s food cake mix 2/3 cup cold brewed coffee 1 teaspoons vanilla ½ teaspoon almond extract

Filling: 1 1/2 cups sliced fresh strawberries ½ teaspoon almond extract 1 (8 oz) carton lite cool whip, thawed

Gloria Myers and her Strawberry-Almond Chocolate Cake

Topping: ½ cup heavy whipping cream ¼ cup powdered sugar 2 teaspoons baking cocoa ½ cup slivered almonds 6-8 fresh strawberries, cut in half

Prepare cake according to package direction but reduce the amount of water to ¾ cup, 2/3 cup cold brewed coffee, add the vanilla and the almond extracts, mix until well blended. Evenly distribute the batter into three 8” round cake pans that have been sprayed with nonstick cooking spray and lightly dusted with flour. Bake at 375 degrees until cake tested comes out clean – about 20 – 25 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire rack. Cool completely.

For the filling: In a bowl, chop the fresh strawberries into small chunks, fold in the whipped topping and add the almond extract, gently blend together. Cover and place in the refrigerator until the cake is completely cool.

For the topping: In a small mixing bowl, beat the cream until begins to thicken. Combine the powdered sugar and cocoa; add to the cream. Beat until stiff peaks form. Set aside until cakes are ready to frost.

Assembling the Cake: After cakes are completely cool, place one layer on a cake server. Spread ½ of the strawberry filling over the cake. Repeat with the second cake layer and remaining strawberry filling. Place the third cake layer on top of the filling. Spread the chocolate topping over the top of the cake, place the strawberry slices around the edge of the cake, sprinkle the slivered almond into center of the filling. Chill for at least 1 hour before cutting. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Shopping List: · 1 box devil’s food cake mix · vanilla · almond extract · fresh strawberries · 8 oz lite cool whip · heavy whipping cream · p powdered sugar · baking cocoa · slivered almonds