CALIFORNIA RICOTTA CAKE

1 (18.25-oz) pkg devil's food cake mix
1 (16 oz) container ricotta cheese
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp grated orange zest
1/3 cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips
2/3 cup toasted almonds, diced, divided use
2 tbsp orange-flavored liqueur

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease 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.

TO MAKE THE CHEESE FILLING:
In bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and orange zest. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Stir in chocolate chips and 1/3 cup almonds.

TO ASSEMBLE:
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.

Servings: 12
Adapted from source: 365 Great Chocolate Desserts by Natalie Haughton