Amaretto Cake

4 steps · 45 min total

1. 01

   Make the Crust

   Combine the 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 cup powdered sugar, and 1 cup butter in a bowl. Use two knives or a pastry blender to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the 1 cup pecans, then press the mixture evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch pan or a 10-inch pie plate.
2. 02

   Bake Crust and Make Cream Cheese Filling

   Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 325 degrees F for 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.

   For the filling, beat the 24 ounces cream cheese with 1 cup powdered sugar and 1/4 cup almond extract (or amaretto liqueur, if using). Fold in 1 cup of the large container of whipped topping until combined. Spread this creamy mixture evenly over the cooled crust.

3. 03

   Prepare Pudding Layer

   In a separate bowl, whisk the 1 small chocolate pudding mix and 1 small vanilla pudding mix with 3 cups milk until smooth and slightly thickened. You can use a mixer on low speed for this. Pour this pudding mixture gently over the cream cheese layer. Let it set for about 5 minutes, or until it's firm enough to hold the next layer.
4. 04

   Finish and Chill

   Spread another 1 1/2 to 2 cups of whipped topping over the pudding layer. Shave milk chocolate over the top for garnish. Transfer the cake to the refrigerator and let it set for at least 8 hours before serving. This long chill time helps all the layers firm up and the flavors deepen.