Best 9 Holiday Walnut Torte Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our tantalizing Holiday Walnut Torte, a symphony of flavors that will elevate your festive gatherings. This decadent torte comprises three irresistible layers: a moist and nutty walnut cake, a luscious chocolate ganache, and a creamy walnut buttercream frosting. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of rich chocolate, nutty undertones, and a velvety texture that will leave you craving more.

This article presents a comprehensive guide to crafting this exquisite dessert, featuring detailed recipes for each component. Embark on the delightful process of preparing the walnut cake from scratch, ensuring a moist and flavorful base for your torte. Discover the art of creating a glossy and decadent chocolate ganache, the perfect complement to the nutty cake layers. Finally, learn the secrets of crafting a smooth and creamy walnut buttercream frosting, adding an irresistible touch of sweetness and nutty flavor.

Let's cook with our recipes!

WALNUT BLITZ TORTE



Walnut Blitz Torte image

This pretty torte is very popular at family gatherings. Everyone always asks for the recipe.-Suzan Stacey, Parsonsfield, Maine

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 1h5m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons sugar
4-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 egg yolk
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
CAKE BATTER:
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 tablespoons milk
MERINGUE:
5 egg whites
1 cup sugar
2 cups chopped walnuts, divided

Steps:

  • In a small saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Stir in milk until smooth. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat to low; cook and stir 2 minutes longer. Remove from the heat. Stir a small amount of hot filling into egg yolk; return all to the pan, stirring constantly. Bring to a gentle boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cover and refrigerate., Meanwhile, in a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg yolks and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture alternately with milk and mix well. Spread into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans; set aside., In a small bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar, a tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold in 1 cup nuts. Spread meringue evenly over batter. Sprinkle with remaining nuts. , Bake at 325° for 35-40 minutes or until meringue is browned and crisp. Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes (meringue will crack)., Carefully run a knife around edge of pans to loosen. Remove to wire racks; cool with meringue side up. To assemble, place one cake with meringue side up on a serving plate; carefully spread with custard. Top with remaining cake. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts :

HUNGARIAN WALNUT TORTE



Hungarian Walnut Torte image

"This truly special cake with its creamy not-too-sweet filling is one I've made for years. People say it is excellent," notes Jeannette Jeremias of Kitchener, Ontario. "I'm the first generation of my Hungarian family to be born in Canada."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 tablespoons water
1/2 cup ground walnuts
FILLING:
1-1/4 cups whole milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
White and dark chocolate curls, optional

Steps:

  • Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar for 10 minutes or until light lemon-colored. Beat in vanilla. Combine cake flour and baking powder; add to egg mixture alternately with water, beating well. Fold in walnuts., In another bowl and with clean beaters, beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into batter; fold in remaining whites. , Pour into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., In a small saucepan, whisk the milk and pudding mix. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Pour into a bowl; press a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap over pudding. Refrigerate for 30 minutes., In a bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and cooled pudding. Split each cake into two layers. Place one bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with about 3/4 cup filling. Repeat layers. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Fat 21g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 130mg cholesterol, Sodium 190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

WALNUT TORTE



Walnut Torte image

A hint of citrus complements the rich walnut taste of this lovely three-layer flourless cake from Kathryn Anderson of Wallkill, New York. Toasted chopped walnuts make a great garnish atop her smooth buttercream frosting.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

9 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups finely ground walnuts
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons whole milk
Additional walnuts, chopped and toasted

Steps:

  • Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line three greased 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. , In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and pale yellow. Beat in the water, zests and vanilla. Combine the walnuts, bread crumbs, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and salt; add to batter. Beat until smooth., In another bowl and with clean beaters, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites., Pour into prepared pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Carefully peel off waxed paper. , For frosting, in a large bowl, cream shortening and butter. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in sugar. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Garnish with toasted walnuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 456 calories, Fat 26g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 265mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

STRAWBERRY WALNUT TORTE



Strawberry Walnut Torte image

This is a special treat I love to make and everyone looks forward to a nice slice with lots of fresh berries. -Bonnie Malloy, Norwood, Pennsylvania

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 16

3/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted and cooled
1/4 cup plus 1-1/4 cups sugar, divided
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
3 large eggs
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
FROSTING:
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 jar (12 ounces) strawberry preserves, divided
4 cups halved fresh strawberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line bottoms of 2 greased 9-in. round baking pans with parchment; grease paper., Place walnuts and 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor; pulse until nuts are ground. In a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside walnut mixture and cream., In a large bowl, beat eggs and remaining sugar until thick and lemon-colored; beat in vanilla. In another bowl, mix flour, baking powder, salt and walnut mixture; fold into egg mixture alternately with whipped cream., Transfer to prepared pans. Bake 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing to wire racks; remove parchment. Cool completely., For frosting, in a small bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, vanilla and salt until blended. Fold in whipped cream., Using a long serrated knife, cut each cake horizontally in half. Place 1 cake layer on a serving plate; spread with 1/2 cup frosting. Top with a second cake layer. Reserve 2 tablespoons preserves for strawberries; spread half the remaining preserves over top of cake to within 1/2 inch of edge. Repeat layers., Frost sides of cake with remaining frosting. For a basket weave design, run a small offset spatula around cake to form ridges, stopping and starting at short intervals. Arrange strawberries over top. In a microwave, melt reserved preserves; brush over strawberries. Refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 491 calories, Fat 26g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 116mg cholesterol, Sodium 215mg sodium, Carbohydrate 61g carbohydrate (46g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

WALNUT RASPBERRY TORTE



Walnut Raspberry Torte image

This lovely three-layered cake is moist, tender and light. It rivals any cake from the finest bakery. I use black walnuts to add a more distinctive flavor. -Janet Zoz, Alvo, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

5 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
FILLING/FROSTING:
1 cup raspberry preserves, warmed
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
6-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

  • Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In another large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in walnuts and coconut., Add cream of tarter to egg whites; beat with clean beaters until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or top springs back lightly when touched. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Spread raspberry preserves over the top of two cake layers. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. , Place one raspberry-topped cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with some of the frosting. Repeat with second raspberry-topped cake layer. Top with plain cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with nuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 759 calories, Fat 37g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 127mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 103g carbohydrate (84g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

AUSTRIAN WALNUT TORTE WITH COFFEE WHIPPED CREAM



Austrian Walnut Torte With Coffee Whipped Cream image

This lovely dessert would have been the featured pastry at "Jause" --a lovely old German/Austrian custom of pausing in the afternoon for cake and coffee and conversation. Prep time does not include time for cooling the torte layers.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     Dessert

Time 1h

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup sugar, plus
2 tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 cups walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh fine breadcrumbs
1 1/2 tablespoons strong brewed coffee
1 1/2 tablespoons rum
1 cup heavy cream, well chilled
1 tablespoon instant espresso
1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus
1 tablespoon confectioners' sugar
butter
flour
12 walnut halves, toasted

Steps:

  • Butter 3 Nine inch round cake pan and line the bottom of each one with a round of buttered parchment paper.
  • Dust the pans with flour and shake out any excess.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a bowl with an electric mixer, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is doubled in volume and forms a ribbon when the beaters are lifted (about 5 minutes).
  • In a food processor or blender, pulse the walnuts with the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar until ground fine.
  • Add the walnuts, the bread crumbs, the coffee and the rum to the yolks and fold gently.
  • In another bowl, with clean beaters, beat the egg white just to stiff peaks.
  • Gently and gradually fold the whites into the yolk mixture.
  • Divide the batter among the three cake pans, spreading it evenly and giving each cake pan a good thump against the counter to make sure there are no air bubbles.
  • Bake the layers 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sides pull away from the pans and the tops spring back when pressed gently.
  • Cool in pans on racks for ten minutes.
  • Run a sharp knife round the sides of the layers and carefully invert the layers onto the racks.
  • Remove and discard parchment paper and allow layers to cool completely.
  • Make the Coffee Whipped Cream:.
  • In a large, chilled bowl, stir together 3 tablespoons of the cold heavy cream and the instant coffee until coffee is dissolved.
  • Add remaining cream and confectioner's sugar and beat until cream forms stiff peaks.
  • This will provide enough whipped cream to fill the two layers and to garnish the top.
  • You can place the cream for the top in a pastry bag and decorate the top with rosettes.
  • Garnish with the toasted walnut halves.

WALNUT TORTE



Walnut Torte image

Provided by Roland Foster Miller

Categories     dessert

Time 45m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 1/2 cups ground walnuts
3/4 cup sugar
7 egg whites
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons strong coffee
1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Confectioners' sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400. Mix together walnuts and three-fourths cup sugar. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold in walnut mixture. Divide into three round eight- or nine-inch cake tins that have been well buttered and floured. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, until delicately browned. Cool in tins.
  • Mix egg yolks, coffee and one-half cup sugar and heat over low flame, stirring briskly until thick and creamy. (Do not boil.) Cool.
  • Stir chopped walnuts and remaining one tablespoon sugar over low heat until browned. Add to coffee and egg mixture. Spread filling between layers.
  • Sprinkle top with confectioners' sugar.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 297, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 31 grams, Fat 18 grams, Fiber 2 grams, Protein 7 grams, SaturatedFat 2 grams, Sodium 34 milligrams, Sugar 28 grams

HUNGARIAN CHOCOLATE-WALNUT TORTE



Hungarian Chocolate-Walnut Torte image

Provided by Jayne Cohen

Categories     Mixer     Chocolate     Dessert     Passover     Valentine's Day     Walnut     Kosher     Kosher for Passover     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes about 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

3/4 cup sugar (if using half semisweet and half sweet chocolate) or 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar (if using all semisweet chocolate)
6 ounces fine-quality chocolate, preferably half dark sweet (sometimes labeled German's Sweet Chocolate), and half semisweet, but all semisweet is also delicious; cut into small pieces
6 large eggs, separated
6 ounces shelled walnuts (1 3/4 to 2 cups)
3 tablespoons matzoh meal
Optional accompaniments: Passover Confectioners' Sugar (recipe below) or Chocolate Icing (recipe below); heavy cream, freshly whipped to soft drifts and barely or very lightly sweetened; or vanilla ice cream
Optional garnish: walnut halves
Chocolate icing:
6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter or margarine
6 ounces fine-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, cut into small pieces

Steps:

  • Have all ingredients at room temperature.
  • Line the bottom of an 8-inch square cake pan or a 9-inch springform pan with parchment or wax paper.
  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a heavy-bottomed 2-or 3-quart saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of the sugar and 1/2 cup water and bring to a boil, stirring constantly over medium heat. Continue boiling and stirring until all the grains of sugar have completely dissolved and the mixture forms a simple syrup. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the chocolate until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, beat the egg yolks with an electric mixer until light and thickened, about 4 minutes. Grind the walnuts with the remaining sugar and the matzoh meal in a food processor using the pulse motion and stir into the egg yolks. Add the cooled chocolate mixture and combine thoroughly.
  • Using clean beaters, beat the egg whites in another bowl until they hold stiff peaks. Gradually fold the whites into the chocolate-walnut mixture, incorporating them gently but thoroughly so that no whites are visible. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, until puffed and almost set but still a little gooey in the center. A wooden toothpick inserted 1 inch from the edge should come out clean.
  • Remove the pan from the oven and let cool on a rack. When completely cool, unmold the cake by running a thin-bladed knife around the edges of the cake to release it from the pan (or release the springform); invert onto a platter. Peel off the parchment paper. Serve the torte at room temperature.
  • If desired, lightly dust with Passover confectioners' sugar. For a lovely, simple presentation, place a doily or a stencil-handmade by you or, even better, your children-over the torte, then sprinkle with the sugar. Carefully remove the doily or stencil.
  • Or glaze with the chocolate icing. Lay long strips of wax paper or foil on a cake plate or serving platter and place the cake on top. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake, letting it drip down the sides. Using a spatula, evenly spread the glaze over the top and sides. Now, pull out and discard the paper strips or foil strips--the plate will be clean and ready for serving. If you'd like, garnish with a few walnut halves attractively placed in the center of the cake. Refrigerate the cake for about an hour to set the glaze, but bring it to room temperature before serving.
  • The plain or frosted torte is heavenly with generous dollops of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
  • Passover Confectioners’ Sugar:
  • In a blender, mini-food processor, or clean coffee grinder, whirl 1 cup minus 1/2 tablespoon regular granulated sugar until it is powdery. Place in a small bowl and stir in 1/2 teaspoon potato starch. Sift before using. (Recently commercial Passover confectioners' sugar, made without cornstarch, has appeared in some stores with large kosher-for-Passover sections. If available, by all means use it here.)
  • Chocolate Icing:
  • Melt the butter or margarine slowly in a heavy saucepan over very low heat. When half is melted, gradually whisk in the chocolate, stirring well as it melts. After all the chocolate has been added, stir in 2 tablespoons water and beat well until the glaze is completely smooth. Let the mixture cool about 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

WALNUT-DATE TORTE



Walnut-Date Torte image

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Food Processor     Mixer     Dessert     Bake     Passover     Date     Walnut     Spring     Kosher     Kosher for Passover     Gourmet     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup boiling-hot water
1 1/2 cups pitted dates (1/2 pound), finely chopped
1 1/2 cups walnuts (5 ounces), toasted and cooled
3/4 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup matzo meal
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature 30 minutes
Accompaniment:
Accompaniment: unsweetened whipped cream
Garnish: Passover powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Generously grease a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan with softened butter or vegetable oil and dust with some matzo meal, knocking out excess.
  • Pour hot water over dates in a large bowl and let stand 15 minutes to soften.
  • Pulse walnuts in a food processor until chopped, then add 1/4 cup sugar and pulse until nuts are finely ground. Add matzo meal (2/3 cup), zest, cardamom, and salt and pulse until combined.
  • Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in a bowl using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a slow stream, beating until whites hold stiff glossy peaks.
  • Whisk yolks into date mixture. Fold one third of yolk mixture into whites, then fold in remaining yolk mixture gently but thoroughly. Fold all of nut mixture into batter.
  • Spoon batter into cake pan and bake until golden and springy to the touch and cake just begins to pull away from side of pan, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 30 minutes, then invert onto rack and cool completely.

Tips:

  • To make sure your torte has a moist and even crumb, use room-temperature ingredients and cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can result in a tough torte. Stir in the dry ingredients just until combined.
  • If you don't have a springform pan, you can use a 9-inch round baking pan lined with parchment paper. Just be sure to trim the excess parchment paper from around the edges of the pan before baking.
  • To prevent the torte from sticking to the pan, grease and flour the pan before adding the batter. You can also use a non-stick baking spray.
  • Bake the torte in a preheated oven and check it for doneness after 45 minutes. The torte is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Let the torte cool completely before frosting it. This will help to prevent the frosting from melting.

Conclusion:

This holiday walnut torte is a delicious and festive dessert that is sure to impress your guests. With its rich chocolate flavor, moist texture, and crunchy walnuts, this torte is the perfect way to end a special meal. So next time you're looking for a show-stopping dessert, give this holiday walnut torte a try.

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