Here is Chocolate Cherry Cake recipe contribution to the blog from my mother-in-law. Note there are two variations on the topping below.

Recipe Instructions:

Ingredients:

• 1 package chocolate fudge cake mix
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Preparation:

• Beat eggs and add other ingredients
• Mix by hand
• Pour mix into greased 9x12" pan and bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes
• Check if ready with tookpick or by lightly touching top of cake
• Cake is done when toothpick comes out dry and cake springs back to touch

Topping #1

Ingredients:

• 1 box instant chocolate pudding Milk Cool Whip

Preparation:

• Preparing pudding using 1 cup less milk than called for on the package.
• Refrigerate briefly until soft set (about 2 minutes) and mix with equal part of Cool Whip.
• Spread over cooled cake and refrigerate.

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Topping #2

This was part of the original recipe but changed to a different, lighter topping over the years. This is rich and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 5 tablespoons margarine
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Preparation:

• Prepare cake as described above but omit chocolate chips
• Mix sugar, milk and margarine in a small pot.
• Heat and stir well
• Boil 1 minute only
• Add 1 cup chocolate chips and stir until thickened
• Pour immediately on warm cake
• Refrigerate until needed