Raspberry Fudge Torte

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350° F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.

Step 2

Combine cake mix, sour cream, water, eggs, vegetable oil and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes more. Stir in 1 cup mini morsels. Divide batter among the prepared pans.

Step 3

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted near the centers comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cake layers from pans to wire rack; cool completely on wire racks.

Step 4

Combine 2 cups semi-sweet morsels, 1 cup whipping cream and the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat until melted and smooth. Transfer to medium bowl. Cover; refrigerate for 1 hour. Strain thawed raspberries through a fine, mesh sieve and discard the seeds. Combine the strained raspberry mixture, sugar and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir 2 minutes more. Transfer to small bowl. Cover; refrigerate for 1 hour.

Step 5

Beat remaining 1/2 cup whipping cream until soft peaks form in small mixer bowl. Fold in chilled raspberry mixture. Stir the chocolate mixture with a wooden spoon until mixture reaches desired spreading consistency.

Step 6

To assemble, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate. Spread half of the raspberry mixture over the top to within 1 inch of the edge of the cake. Top with a second cake layer. Spread with remaining raspberry filling to within 1 inch of the edge. Top with remaining cake layer. Frost top and sides of cake with chocolate mixture, spreading smooth. Garnish with fresh raspberries and mint, if desired.