Granny's Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake

Ingredients

1 pkg Chocolate Instant Pudding

1 pkg Devil's Food Cake Mix

2 cups 2% Milk

1 can Cherry Pie Filling

1 tub Whipped Topping

1 cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips

1/2 cup Maraschino Cherries

1 pkg Cream Cheese

Notes

It was a Christmas tradition to present my grandma with a box of chocolate covered cherries each year. I remember the look of sheer delight on her face as she bit into those little jewels. I wanted to create a cake to honor this precious memory with all the same flavor notes. This recipe succeeds in all aspects. It is both delicious and a show stopper...with the added benefit of being easy to prepare. I think of my dear sweet grandma each time I prepare this cake.

Directions

1. Prepare cake mix as directed on box using a 9x13x2 inch pan. Let cool in pan.
2. In a large bowl with a mixer beat cream cheese with 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Beat in remaining milk and pudding mix. Set aside to thicken.
3. Spoon pudding mixture over cake. Top with pie filling. Cover and chill at least 4 hours.
4. Just before serving frost with whipped topping. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries.