When time is tight and you need to throw something together for a picnic, potluck or bake sale, make this sheet cake. It's a large, thin layer of tender chocolate cake slathered with gooey chocolate frosting and sprinkled with toasted nuts, such as walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts.
This confection pays homage to the flavors of pastry chef Gina DePalma's Italian childhood. Her toasted-almond cake is layered with a rich mascarpone filling studded with amarena cherries.