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Red Raspberry Almond Chocolate Passion
3/4 lb. butter
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
3 Cups cake flour
2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 Cups granulated sugar
1 1/2 Cups toasted sliced almonds, finely chopped
5 large eggs
2 teaspoons almond extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 Cup sour cream
1 Cup hot water
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Preheat oven to 325F. Lightly coat the insides of two 9-inch cake pans with melted butter.
Line each pan with parchment paper, then lightly coat again. If you grease and flour
instead, be sure to do it heavily.
Combine flour, soda and salt in a sifter. Sift together onto waxed paper and set aside.
Place 3/4 pound butter and 2 cups granulated sugar in bowl of electric mixer. Beat on low
for 3 minutes, then on medium for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl frequently. Add the chopped
almonds and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Add eggs one at a time, beating 30 seconds
and scraping down bowl after each addition. Add almond extract and vanilla extract and
beat on high for 2 more minutes. Reduce speed to low and add half of the sifted dry
ingredients and allow to mix for 15 seconds. Add 1/2 cup sour cream, then the remaining
dry ingredients, then the remaining sour cream, mixing for 30 seconds after each addition.
Add hot water and mix for 15 seconds. Increase speed to medium and beat for an additional
20 seconds before removing bowl from mixer. Use a rubber spatula to finish mixing the
batter until it is smooth and thoroughly combined. Immediately divide the batter between
the prepared pans, spreading evenly. Bake on the center rack in the preheated oven until a
toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Remove the
cakes from the oven and cool in the pans for 15 minutes at room temperature. Invert onto
cooling racks and remove parchment paper (if used). Allow to cool for an additional 30
minutes. Turn the cakes over and trim off just enough of the top to create a level
surface. Then slice each cake into 2 horizontal layers, creating 4 layers. Refrigerate
uncovered while preparing raspberry crush.
Raspberry Crush
In a food processor or blender, combine |
