Nutty Chocolate Fudge Torte

I have served this decadent torte at many dinner parties, and have always receive never-ending compliments over this fantastic chocolate torte..I think it must be the pureed pears that give it it's rich flavour. It is surprisingly easy to prepare made with a mix, but no one will ever guess...this is certainly a winner.

• Ready In: 1 hr 10 mins
• Serves: 10-12

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup  semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1⁄3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (18 1/4ounce) package  devil's food cake mix
• 1⁄3  vegetable oil
• 1  teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 (15 ounce) can  sliced pears, drained
• 2  eggs
• 1⁄3 cup  chopped pecans, toasted
• 2  teaspoons water
• 1⁄4 cup  hot  caramel ice cream topping, warmed
• 1⁄2 teaspoon milk

Directions

1. Set oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease a 9-inch springform pan.
3. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips with condensed milk; stir until smooth, set aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine, cake mix, oil and cinnamon until crumbly.
5. Set aside 1/2 cup for topping.
6. In a blender or food processor, process pears until smooth; add to remaining cake mixture with the eggs.
7. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
8. Pour into a greased 9-inch springform pan.
9. Drop melted chocolate by tablespoonfuls over the batter.
10. Combine pecans, water and the reserved cake mixture; crumble over chocolate.
11. Bake, for 45-50 minutes, or until cake tests done.
12. Cool for 10 minutes.
13. Carefully, run a knife around sides of pan to loosen.
14. Cool completely on wire rack.
15. Remove sides of pan.
16. Combine caramel topping with milk until smooth; drizzle on serving plates.
17. Put a slice of baked torte over the drizzle on plate.
18. Serve with whipped cream or icecream if desired.