Indulge in the exquisite flavors of the Chocolate Pecan Torte, a decadent dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the nutty crunch of pecans. This classic torte features a moist chocolate cake base, layered with a velvety chocolate ganache, and topped with a generous sprinkling of toasted pecans. The contrasting textures and flavors create a symphony of taste that will tantalize your taste buds.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to crafting this delectable treat, including two variations – a traditional Chocolate Torte and a Gluten-Free Chocolate Pecan Torte. Both recipes are meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions, ensuring success for bakers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer a classic indulgence or a gluten-free alternative, this guide has you covered.
Embark on a culinary journey as we delve into the secrets of creating this divine dessert. Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, from the rich chocolate cake to the smooth ganache and the crunchy pecan topping. Discover tips for achieving a moist and tender crumb, a velvety smooth ganache, and perfectly toasted pecans.
Along the way, uncover the fascinating history of this timeless dessert and its variations across different cultures. Explore the versatility of the Chocolate Pecan Torte, from serving it as an elegant centerpiece at special occasions to enjoying it as a simple yet satisfying treat.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to embark on a delightful baking adventure. Let's create a masterpiece that will leave your loved ones craving for more.
CHOCOLATE PECAN MERINGUE TORTE
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Draw two 8-inch circles on a sheet of parchment paper and place it on a sheet pan, pencil side down.
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt on high speed for one minute, until frothy. With the mixer on high, slowly add the 2/3 cups sugar and 1 teaspoon of the vanilla and beat on high for 2 minutes, until it makes firm, glossy peaks.
- Divide the meringue between the two circles and spread into two flat 8-inch disks with a rubber spatula. Bake the meringues for one hour, turn the heat off, and leave the meringues in the oven for 2 hours. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool completely to room temperature on the sheet pan.
- With a large flat spatula, carefully transfer one disk, rounded side up, to a totally flat serving plate. (It's okay if the top cracks a little.) Spread the chocolate pecan filling evenly on top. Place the second meringue, rounded side up, on top.
- Combine the heavy cream, the 2 tablespoons sugar, and the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high speed until it forms firm peaks. Spread the whipped cream on top of the torte. Decorate with the shaved chocolate and refrigerate for 2 hours or for up to a day and serve cold.
- In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, process the pecans until finely ground. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water, whisk the eggs, sugar, and cornstarch together, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Whisk the mixture almost constantly, until it is 130 to 140 degrees and thickened like custard. Set aside to cool to room temperature, whisking occasionally.
- Set another bowl over the pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Put the chocolate and espresso in the bowl and heat just until the chocolate melts, stirring occasionally. Stir in the Kahlua and vanilla and set aside to cool to room temperature. Whisk the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then whisk in the butter, one tablespoon at a time, whisking until smooth. Stir in the pecans. The filling can sit at room temperature for up to 4 hours.
CHOCOLATE PECAN TORTE
This impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it's worth the effort. -Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h20m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Combine pecans, flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to yolk mixture alternately with water. Stir in vanilla. , In another large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. , Spoon into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 375° for 20-22 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Beat in confectioners' sugar, cocoa and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with about 1 cup frosting. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining layer., For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine cocoa, water and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over top of cake. Spread remaining frosting over sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.,
Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 169mg cholesterol, Sodium 209mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.
DARK CHOCOLATE PECAN TORTE
This recipe was invented by a 12 yr. old boy for a cooking contest. It's so good, I make it for my birthday cake. It really is so rich that you can get 10 servings out of an 8" springform pan
Provided by Marie Nixon
Categories Bar Cookie
Time 1h10m
Yield 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Remove the side from an 8" springform pan.
- Line the bottom of the pan with waxed paper, extending the paper over the bottom edge.
- Attach side to bottom of the springform pan, making sure paper is secured to the pan.
- Trim paper to just beyond edge of pan.
- Grease paper and 1 inch up sides of pan with shortening or butter; set aside (or, grease the bottom of a 9x1 1/2" round baking pan; line bottom of pan with waxed paper. Grease the paper and side of pan. Set aside).
- Place the 1 cup of chocolate pieces and the 1/3 cup butter in a large microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on 100 percent power (high) for 1 minute to 1 minute and 15 seconds or until chocolate is smooth when stirred; cool slightly.
- Add granulated sugar and the 1 1/2 tsp vanilla to melted chocolate mixture.
- Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well mixed.
- Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Beat in flour and water on low speed, just until combined.
- Stir in the 3/4 cup pecans.
- Thoroughly wash beaters.
- In a bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt with electric mixer on high speed just until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight).
- Stir a small amount of the beaten egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture to lighten the batter.
- Carefully fold the remaining egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture.
- Pour batter into prepared pan.
- If using the springform pan, place it in a shallow baking pan on the oven rack.
- If using the 9" baking pan, place it directly on the oven rack.
- Bake cake in a 350°F oven about 45 minutes for the springform pan or about 35 minutes for the 9" pan or until the top is evenly puffed.
- Torte will not test done in center.
- Top will have a sugary crust that will crack.
- Remove springform pan from baking pan.
- Cool cake in pan on wire rack.
- Loosen edge of cake from pan.
- Remove side of pan.
- Invert onto serving plate.
- Remove pan bottom.
- Peel off paper.
- If using 9" pan, cool cake in pan on wire rack for 30 minutes; loosen side of cake and invert onto plate.
- Peel off paper.
- Cool.
- Spoon Chocolate Glaze over cake, spreading to cover top and allowing glaze to drip over sides.
- If desired, sprinkle top with chopped pecans.
- Cover; refrigerate about 30 minutes or until glaze is set.
- Chocolate Glaze.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips, 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons water.
- Microwave on 100 percent (high) about 45 seconds.
- Add 1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar and 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- If necessary, add hot water, 1 teaspoon at a time to make a glaze consistency.
- Notes:.
- Because the torte has very little flour and lots of sugar, the top will puff up during baking and crack.
- Don't worry about the cracks.
- Before glazing, invert the cake so the smooth bottom becomes the top.
- My cake did not crack on top.
- Use a large spoon to spread the glaze on the torte, letting some of the glaze spill oven the side.
- For a fancier dessert, use a spatula to carefully smooth the glaze around the sides of the torte and over the top.
CHOCOLATE APRICOT PECAN TORTE
This recipe comes from an old Bon Apetite magazine. My dear friend's boyfriend baked this torte for her birthday one year and after I had the honor of tasting it -- I told her she that she had my blessing to marry him. They have now been married for over 20 years so I guess I was right!!! I am placing this recipe here for safe keeping. This is the second time I have had to request the recipe from my friend and I promised to place it somewhere safe and secure.
Provided by DailyInspiration
Categories Dessert
Time 2h
Yield 14-16 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 19
Steps:
- For cake: Heat cognac in medium saucepan until just hot. Remove from heat and mix in apricots. Let soak 15 minutes. Strain apricots, reserving any soaking liquid for glaze.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter an 8 1/2 inch springform pan with one tablespoon butter. Dust with 3 tablespoons breadcrumbs. Using electric mixer, cream butter until light and fluffy. Gradually beat in sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time (mixture may look curdled). Add chocolate and vanilla. Mix in 2/3 cup breadcrumbs. Combine pecans and flour and blend into batter. Fold in apricots. Spoon batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester, inserted into middle, comes out clean - about 50 minutes. Cool in pan on rack.
- Run knife around edge of cake. Invert onto platter. Slide sheets of waxed paper under edges of cake.
- For icing: Stir cocoa powder, sugar, whipping cream and butter in top of double boiler over simmering water until mixture is shiny and smooth, about 5 minutes. Cool icing for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour icing over cake , tilting cake to cover evenly. Using thin flat spatula, spread icing over top and sides of cake. Refrigerate until icing is firm.
- For glaze: Add enough cognac to soaking liquid reserved from apricots to measure 2 tablespoons. Combine with jam in heavy saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until melted. Strain through fine sieve into small bowl. Cool until tepid, approximately 5 minutes.
- Pour glaze over top of cake. Using thin metal spatula, spread evenly -- do not let any drip down sides of cake. Arrange pecans around upper edge of cake, ends touching. Discard wax paper. Refrigerate cake until glaze is set. Cake can be prepared up to one day in advance.
CHOCOLATE PECAN ICE CREAM TORTE
This delectable dessert layers my favorite ice cream (chocolate) and my husband's favorite (butter pecan) on a shortbread crust, along with chocolate candy pieces, toasted pecans and caramel topping. It never fails to impress our guests. -Kelly Arvay, Barberton, Ohio
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 20m
Yield 16-20 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- For caramel sauce, heat caramel topping and candy bars in a microwave on high for 1-1/2 minutes or until candy bars are melted, stirring every 30 seconds. Cool., Combine cookie crumbs and butter. Press onto the bottom of a greased 10-in. springform pan. Chop 1/2 cup pecans. , Spoon half of the butter pecan ice cream over crust. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons caramel sauce; sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Spread with half of the chocolate ice cream. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons caramel sauce; sprinkle with remaining chopped pecans. , Spoon remaining butter pecan ice cream around edge of pan; spread remaining chocolate ice cream in center of pan. Cover and freeze overnight. Refrigerate remaining caramel sauce., Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Reheat caramel sauce. Garnish torte with remaining pecan halves; drizzle with 2 tablespoons caramel sauce. Serve with remaining caramel sauce.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 24g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 249mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (37g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.
CHOCOLATE-PECAN TORTE
Provided by Joyce Carol Oates
Categories Food Processor Mixer Chocolate Citrus Dairy Egg Nut Dessert Bake Vegetarian Tree Nut Pecan Winter Birthday Party Sour Cream Gourmet Pescatarian Peanut Free Soy Free Kosher
Yield Serves 8 to 10
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. and butter two 8- by 2-inch round cake pans. Line each pan with a round of wax paper and butter paper.
- Make cake layers:
- In a food processor pulse 2 cups pecans with flour, salt, and baking powder until finely ground (do not pulse to a paste). Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in orange juice. Separate eggs and in a large bowl with an electric mixer beat yolks until pale yellow. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and pale, and fold in pecan mixture gently but thoroughly. In another bowl with cleaned beaters beat whites until they hold stiff peaks. Stir about one fourth whites into pecan mixture to lighten and fold in remaining whites gently but thoroughly.
- Divide batter between cake pans and bake in middle of oven 25 minutes, or until cakes pull away from sides of pans. Cool cake layers in pans on a rack 10 minutes and invert onto rack to cool completely. Carefully remove wax paper from bottoms of cake layers.
- While cake layers are cooling, on a baking sheet toast remaining 1/2 cup pecans until fragrant and a shade darker, about 8 minutes. Cool nuts and chop.
- Make filling:
- In a medium bowl with cleaned beaters beat cream with zest until it just holds stiff peaks.
- Arrange 1 cake layer, top side up, on a serving plate and spread filling evenly onto layer. Put remaining layer, bottom side up, on filling.
- Make frosting:
- Chop chocolate. In a double boiler or a metal bowl set over a saucepan of barely simmering water melt chocolate, stirring until smooth. Remove chocolate from heat and stir in sour cream and a pinch salt until smooth.
- Immediately spread frosting on top and side of torte and pat toasted pecans around side. Chill torte, loosely covered, until frosting is set, at least 1 hour, and up to 3 days.
- Serve torte chilled or at room temperature.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Chocolate Pecan Torte:
- Use high-quality chocolate: The quality of the chocolate you use will greatly impact the flavor of the torte. Look for a high-cocoa content chocolate (70% or higher) for a rich, intense flavor.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting the pecans will enhance their flavor and give them a nice crunch. Spread the pecans on a baking sheet and toast them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, or until they are fragrant and slightly browned.
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing the batter can result in a tough, dense torte. Mix the ingredients until they are just combined, being careful not to overbeat.
- Bake the torte in a water bath: Baking the torte in a water bath helps to create a moist, evenly cooked torte. Place the torte pan inside a larger pan filled with hot water. The water should come about halfway up the sides of the torte pan.
- Let the torte cool completely before serving: The torte needs time to cool completely before serving so that it can set properly. Allow it to cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion:
The chocolate pecan torte is a delicious and decadent dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, crunchy pecans, and creamy filling, it is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. By following the tips above, you can ensure that your chocolate pecan torte turns out perfect every time.
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