Orange Brownie Torte

This torte starts with a boxed brownie mix and gets taken to a whole new level with the addition of mandarin oranges. This make a very lovely dessert. From Family Circle.

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 1  large orange
• 1 (21 ounce) box  brownie mix (family style)
• 3  eggs
• 1⁄2 cup  vegetable oil
• 1 1⁄2 cups milk
• 1 (1 1/3ounce) envelope  whipped dessert topping mix
• 1 (3 1/2ounce) box vanilla pudding mix
•  orange food coloring
• 1 (15 ounce) can mandarin oranges in light syrup

Directions

1. Torte layers: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Grease 2 9" round pans with cooking spray.
3. Finely grate the orange peel and juice the orange (you should have about 2 1/2 t orange zest and 1/3 c orange juice).
4. Combine the brownie mix, eggs, 2 t orange peel, orange juice and oil in a large bowl.
5. Blend until well combined.
6. Divide evenly between the two pans.
7. Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Cool in the pans for 5 minutes, then turn out on racks to cool completely.
9. Frosting: Combine the milk, whipped topping mix, and pudding mix in a large bowl.
10. Beat on low speed until blended.
11. Increase speed to high and beat 4 minutes or until soft peaks form.
12. Stir in 1 drop of food coloring and the remaining 1/2 t orange zest.
13. Place one layer on a platter and spread 3/4 c frosting on top of the layer.
14. Drain mandarin oranges and pat dry.
15. Arrange 3/4 c orange segments over the frosting.
16. Top with the second layer and spread remaining frosting on top and sides of the torte.
17. Garnish the top of the torte with the remaining mandarin orange segments.
18. Chill 1 hour before serving.