Fudgy Raspberry Torte

Name: Fudgy Raspberry Torte
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 12 servings.
Ingredients: 1 package chocolate fudge cake mix (regular size); 1-1/3 cups water; 3 eggs; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 3/4 cup ground pecans; 1-1/2 cups cold milk; 1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate fudge or chocolate pudding mix; 1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam; 1-1/2 cups whipped topping; 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans; Fresh raspberries

Guests will think you fussed when you serve this three-layer torte made with convenient cake and pudding mixes, a bit of jam and fresh raspberries. It looks elegant for most any special occasion and always brings lots of compliments. -Dolores Hurtt, Florence, Montana

Ingredients

1 package chocolate fudge cake mix (regular size)
1-1/3 cups water
3 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup ground pecans
1-1/2 cups cold milk
1 package (3.9 ounces) instant chocolate fudge or chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup seedless raspberry jam
1-1/2 cups whipped topping
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Fresh raspberries

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, water, eggs and oil; beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium for 2 minutes. Stir in ground pecans.
Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 15-20 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.
In a large bowl, whisk milk and pudding mix for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft-set. In a saucepan, melt jam. Brush over the top of each cake.
Place one cake layer on a serving plate; spread with half of the pudding. Repeat layers. Top with third cake layer; spread top with whipped topping. Sprinkle with chopped pecans. Garnish with raspberries. Store in the refrigerator.