RED VELVET CHERRY ALMOND TORTE

1 box (2-layer size) red velvet cake mix

1 can (21-oz) cherry pie filling
1/4 tsp almond extract
1 carton (8-oz) frozen nondairy whipped topping, thawed
1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Grease and flour 2 9-inch round cake pans; set aside.

Prepare and bake the cake as directed on package for two layers.  Cool and remove from pans according to package directions.

When cakes are cool, combine the pie filling and almond extract in a small bowl stirring until the extract is totally blended into the filling.

Place one cake layer on cake plate and spread with 1 cup of the whipped topping; top with half the pie filling mixture.  Add the second layer and top with the remaining pie filling mixture, spreading to within 1 1/2 inches of the edge of the cake.

Decorate the edges of the cake with the remaining whipped topping and garnish with the almonds.

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