CAKE FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three (8-inch) round cake pans; set aside.
• Combine all cake ingredients except creme de cacao in bowl. Beat at low speed, scraping bowl often, until all ingredients are moistened. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until smooth.
• Pour into prepared pans. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool 5 minutes; remove from pans. Cool completely.
• Combine all filling ingredients in bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy; set aside.
• Combine all frosting ingredients in bowl. Beat at high speed, scraping bowl often, until light and fluffy.
• Place 1 layer on serving plate. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Spread with 1/2 filling. Place second cake layer on top. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Spread with remaining filling. Place third cake layer on top. Poke top of cake all over with fork; sprinkle with 2 tablespoons creme de cacao. Frost entire cake with frosting. If desired, garnish with chocolate leaves.

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°. In a small bowl, combine cocoa and water; set aside to cool completely. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add to creamed mixture alternately with cocoa mixture, beating well after each addition. , Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 25-30 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., For ganache, place chocolate in a bowl. In a small heavy saucepan over low heat, bring cream and sugar to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk gently until smooth. Allow to cool until it reaches a spreadable consistency, stirring occasionally., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat butter until fluffy. Add the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, milk and vanilla; beat until smooth., Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1 cup frosting. Top with second layer and 1 cup ganache; sprinkle with 1/2 cup almonds. Top with third layer; frost top and sides of cake. Warm ganache until pourable; pour over cake, allowing some to drape down the sides. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Refrigerate until serving.