Walnut Cherry Cake

Directions

1. 1
   Coarsely chop 1/4 cup of walnuts and set aside.
2. 2
   Chop remaining 3/4 cup of walnuts, medium fine.
3. 3
   As package directs, prepare cake mix, adding vanilla and 3/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts.
4. 4
   Bake in two 9-inch layer cake pans.
5. 5
   Cool 10 minutes and then remove from pans.
6. 6
   When completely cooled, fold food coloring into whipped topping and spread a 1-inch wide ring of topping on outer edge of each layer.
7. 7
   Spoon pie filling in center of each layer.
8. 8
   Stack layers on serving plate and spread remaining topping on sides of cake.
9. 9
   Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup of walnuts on cake top.
10. 10
    Chill.
11. 11
    Makes 12 servings.