Best Ever Chocolate Fudge Layer Cake

Miriam (my sister-in-law) found this in the Kraft magazine, and, oh man!, was it good!  I don't usually like chocolate cake, but this is really, really good.  Moist, chocolatey and delicious!

1 pkg (8 squares) semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided
1 pkg (2 layer size) chocolate cake mix
1 pkg (4 serving size) chocolate flavor instant pudding & pie filling
4 eggs
1 c sour cream
1/2 c oil
1/2 c water
1 tub (8 oz) frozen cool whip
2 T sliced almonds, coconut shavings, chocolate shavings or handful of jordan almonds for garnish  (be creative!)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Grease 2 9-inch round baking pans. Chop 2 of the chocolate squares; set aside.  Beat cake mix, dry pudding mix, eggs, sour cream, oil and water in large bowl.  Stir in chopped chocoate.  Spoon into prepared pans.  Bake 30-35 mins or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool in pans on wire racks 10 mins.  Remove cakes from pans and cool again on wire racks completely.  Place frozen whipped topping and remaining 6 chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth, stiring after 1 min.  Let stand 15 mins to thicken.  Place 1 cake layer on serving plate; top with 1/4 of the chocolate mixture and the second cake layer.  Spread top and side with remaining chocolate mixture.  Garnish with almonds.  Store in refrigerator.  Makes 18 servings, 1 slice each.