Chocolate-Praline Layer Cake

Name: Chocolate-Praline Layer Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 cup packed brown sugar; 1/2 cup butter, cubed; 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream; 3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans; CAKE:; 1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size); 4 eggs; 1 cup fat-free milk; 1/2 cup butter, softened; 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk; 1 package (3.4 ounces) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix; TOPPING:; 1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream; 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate curls and heart-shaped chocolate candies

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.+ cooling YIELD: 12 servings.

For the chocolate-lover in all of us, this dessert is the one. Packed with pecans, the luscious layers are topped off with heart-shaped chocolate candies. Every day is Valentine’s Day with this cake!—Kathy Engler, Brookfield, Wisconsin

Ingredients

1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
3/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans
CAKE:
1 package chocolate cake mix (regular size)
4 eggs
1 cup fat-free milk
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix
TOPPING:
1-3/4 cups heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate curls and heart-shaped chocolate candies

Directions

1. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter and cream. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Pour into two greased 9-in. round baking pans and sprinkle with pecans.
2. In a large bowl, beat the cake mix, eggs, milk, butter, sweetened condensed milk and pudding mix; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Transfer to prepared pans.
3. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add confectioners' sugar and vanilla; beat until stiff peaks form.
5. Place one cake layer on a serving plate, praline side up. Spread with half of the whipped cream. Top with remaining cake layer; spread remaining whipped cream over top. Garnish with chocolate curls and candies.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice (calculated without garnishes): 674 calories, 41g fat (22g saturated fat), 170mg cholesterol, 506mg sodium, 72g carbohydrate (55g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.