Velvet Almond Fudge Cake

Becky with Grandma's dog Nina
ca. 1980, Nahcotta Boat Basin

A "chocoholic's" delight, this cake is easy and really needs no frosting, since it already has has a triple dose!

Velvet Almond Fudge Cake

1-1/2 cups sliced or blanched slivered almonds

1 pkg (12 oz) chocolate chips

1 pkg chocolate fudge or chocolate cake mix

1 pkg (3.4 oz /4 serving size) instant chocolate fudge or chocolate pudding mix

4 eggs

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup water

1/4 cup oil

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp almond extract

Toast almonds at 350° F for 3 to 5 minutes; allow to cool. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of almonds on bottom of well greased 10 inch tube pan.  Set aside remaining almonds and chocolate chips.  Measure remaining ingredients into mixer bowl.  Blend; then beat at medium speed 4 minutes.  Stir in chips and almonds.  Pour into pan and smooth--batter is fairly thick. Bake at 350° F  for 65 to 70 minutes, or until cake begins to pull away from sides of pan.  Do not underbake.  Cool in pan 15 minutes.  Remove and finish cooling on rack. 

Serve with dollop of whipped cream or scoop of ice cream, if desired.