Decadent Chocolate Apricot Layer Cake with Almond Crunch

Chocolate Apricot Layer Cake

Description

Indulge in the rich and decadent layers of this Chocolate Apricot Layer Cake, perfect for special occasions and celebrations. This sumptuous dessert features layers of moist chocolate cake, sweet apricot preserves, and velvety chocolate frosting, garnished with crunchy almonds for a delightful finish. Perfectly balanced and irresistible, it’s a showstopper that combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the fruity brightness of apricots.

Ingredients

• Cake:

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  • 1 package chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup chopped dried apricots
  • 1 cup chopped almonds

• Frosting:

  • 1 1/3 cups heavy cream
  • 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

• Filling and Garnish:

  • 1 cup apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Begin by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures your cake will bake evenly and rise perfectly.

2. Prepare Cake Pans:
   Lightly coat the bottoms and sides of two 8-inch round cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. For extra assurance that the cakes will come out easily, line the bottoms of the pans with waxed paper, then spray the paper as well.

3. Prepare Cake Batter:
   In a large bowl, prepare the chocolate cake mix according to the package directions, incorporating the eggs, water, and vegetable oil. Stir in the chopped apricots and almonds until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Bake the Cake:
   Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared cake pans. Place the pans in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 45 minutes. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cakes; it should come out clean when the cakes are done.

5. Cool the Cake Layers:
   Once baked, allow the cakes to cool in the pans for about 15 minutes. Gently turn the layers out onto a wire rack, carefully peeling away the waxed paper. Let the cakes cool completely before frosting.

6. Make the Frosting:
   In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium-high heat until it begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chopped bittersweet chocolate placed in a medium-sized bowl. Stir until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 45 minutes to chill and firm up the frosting.

7. Assemble the Cake:
   Place one cake layer on a serving dish. Spread the top of this layer with apricot preserves. Place the second cake layer on top of the apricot-covered layer.

8. Frost and Garnish:
   Once the frosting has chilled and thickened, spread it evenly over the sides and top of the cake. Sprinkle the sliced almonds around the sides of the cake for a delightful crunch and visual appeal.

9. Refrigerate and Serve:
   Refrigerate the assembled cake for at least 35 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will make slicing easier and the flavors will meld beautifully.

10. Enjoy:
    Slice and serve this luxurious Chocolate Apricot Layer Cake to your friends and family. Its combination of rich chocolate, sweet apricot, and crunchy almonds is sure to impress and satisfy.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 457.4
• Total Fat: 28.3 g
• Saturated Fat: 7.8 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg
• Sodium: 389.9 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 49.9 g
• Dietary Fiber: 2.4 g
• Sugars: 27.2 g
• Protein: 6.5 g

Enjoy the perfect blend of flavors and textures in this Chocolate Apricot Layer Cake, and let its rich, decadent taste elevate your dessert experience.