Dreamy Cherry Torte

Name: Dreamy Cherry Torte
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings.
Ingredients: 1 loaf (10-3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed; 1 pint cherry ice cream, softened; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 3 cups confectioners' sugar; 1/4 cup chopped pecans; Maraschino cherries, optional

A purchased pound cake makes this showstopping dessert a breeze to prepare ahead of time. Cream cheese frosting gives the torte a rich taste that will have guests thinking you spent hours making it. —Valerie Putsey, Winamac, Indiana

Ingredients

1 loaf (10-3/4 ounces) frozen pound cake, thawed
1 pint cherry ice cream, softened
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon almond extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup chopped pecans
Maraschino cherries, optional

Directions

With a serrated knife, slice pound cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a freezer-safe serving platter; spread with ice cream. Replace cake top; cover and freeze for at least 3 hours.
For frosting, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and extract until smooth. Gradually add sugar; beat until fluffy. Set aside 1/2 cup.
Remove torte from freezer; frost the top and sides. Cut a small hole in the corner of a plastic or pastry bag; insert a #20 star tip. Fill bag with reserved frosting; pipe around the bottom edge of torte. Cover and freeze for at least 1 hour.
May be frozen up to 3 months. Remove from the freezer 10 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with pecans. Garnish with cherries if desired.