Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 4 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease parchment.

Step 2

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until light and fluffy, 5-7 minutes. Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in chocolate until blended.

Step 3

In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with water, beating after each addition. Divide batter among prepared pans.

Step 4

Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 15-20 minutes. Cool 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks; remove paper. Cool completely.

Step 5

For chocolate filling, melt chocolate in a microwave; stir until smooth. Stir in butter until blended. Stir in almonds.

Step 6

For whipped cream, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form.

Step 7

To assemble, place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/3 cup chocolate filling and 1 cup whipped cream. Repeat layers twice. Top with the remaining cake and chocolate filling.

Step 8

Spread remaining whipped cream over sides of cake. Press almonds onto sides. Spoon pie filling over top of cake. Refrigerate until serving.