California Ricotta Cake

Directions

Preheat oven to 350℉ (180℃).

Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.

Prepare cake mix according to package directions.

Turn batter into prepared pans.

Bake according to package directions (30-35 minutes).

Let cake cool in pans 15 minutes, then unmold and let cool completely on wire racks.

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and orange zest.

Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed untl light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Stir in chocolate chips and ⅓ cup almonds.

Sprinkle 1 tablespoon orange liqueur over top of each cake layer.

Stack cake layers together with cheese filling in between and on top and sides.

Sprinkle remaining ⅓ cup almonds around top edge of cake in a 1-inch-wide ring.

Refrigerate until serving time.