Black Forest Cake

From Pillsbury Chocolate Lover's, a great cake. It's similar to others, but the special ingredient is brandy.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• Cake

• 1 (18 ounce) package  dark chocolate cake mix, Pillsbury Plus
• 1 1⁄4 cups water
• 1⁄3 cup  oil
• 3  eggs

• Filling And Frosting

• 2  cups  whipping cream
• 1⁄2 cup powdered sugar
• 3  tablespoons brandy
• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  almond extract
• 2  tablespoons  slivered almonds

Directions

1. Heat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour 2 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In large bowl, combine all cake ingredients at low speed until moistened. Beat 2 minutes at highest speed. Pour into prepared pans.
3. Bake 25 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
4. Cool 15 minutes. Invert onto cooling racks to cool completely.
5. In medium bowl, beat whipping cream at highest speed until slightly thickened. Add powdered sugar gradually; continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold in brandy.
6. In small bowl, combine cherry filling and almond extract. Place second layer on top of filling. Frost top and sides with whipped cream. Spoon filling on top. Garnish with almonds. Chill.