MOCK CHESTNUT TORTE (PASSOVER CAKE)

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Mock Chestnut Torte (Passover Cake) image

This recipe is from the wonderful cookbook, "A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking", by Marcy Goldman. This pareve Pesach cake tastes like a rich but light chocolate cheesecake. It's wonderful with or without the glaze. If you don't mind a dairy cake, it's also excellent with a regular ganache (with cream, etc...). Kids will LOVE this and won't even know they're eating a vegetable (you cannot taste the sweet potatoes). Enjoy! You can also serve this in squares, as French-style "petit fours." The glaze slicks this up but is not necessary - a dusting of cocoa is just fine.

Provided by blucoat

Categories     Tarts

Time 1h10m

Yield 18 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/2 cup unsalted margarine (1 stick)
1/3 cup granulated sugar, plus
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
6 large eggs, separated
1 1/2 cups cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, fresh or canned
1 teaspoon passover rum extract (optional)
10 ounces good-quality semisweet chocolate, melted and cooled
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
6 ounces semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
curls semisweet chocolate
pureed strawberries or raspberries

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F Line a 9-inch springform pan with baking parchment.
  • Torte: In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted margarine or butter with the 1/3 cup sugar. Blend in the egg yolks, then the mashed sweet potatoes, rum extract (if using), and cooled chocolate.
  • In another bowl, with clean beaters, whip the egg whites gently until they are a bit foamy. Then add in the salt and whip on a higher speed, slowly dusting in the two tablespoons of sugar to form stiff, glossy (but not dry) peaks. Fold one third of the egg whites into the sweet potato/chocolate mixture and work them in well to loosen the batter. Then, gently fold in the remaining egg whites, blending well but taking care not to deflate the mixture. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and bake for about 40 minutes. The cake rises and looks dry, and slightly cracked on top when done. The middle should be soft but firm. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then remove to a wire rack. At this point, the cake can be frozen for up to a month. Even if serving it the same day, chill the cake for an hour or two before finishing it with the ganache glaze.
  • Chocolate Ganache Glaze: In a double boiler, bring the water to a gentle boil and add the chopped chocolate all at once. Remove from the heat and stir briskly with a wire whisk until all the chocolate melts and you have a thick glaze or sauce-like topping. Refrigerate for an hour or so. (You can also make this ahead and refrigerate it for up to a week or two. Simply warm it to the right temperature for glazing the cake.).
  • Invert the cake onto a cardboard circle or cake board so that the smooth, flat bottom faces up. Do not be dismayed if this is not a high cake - it is a torte and is meant to be a little less than statuesque. Pour the glaze over the cake and, using a metal spatula, even out the glaze and spread it along the sides.
  • Instead of the glaze, you can also simply sift some cocoa over the top of the cake or decorate it with curls of chocolate (using a vegetable peeler and a warmish chocolate bar). The cake can also be offered with a pureed raspberry or strawberry sauce, garnished with chocolate shavings, or left as is, with a citrus leaf, a sweetheart rose, or several berries in the center.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238.7, Fat 20.2, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 62, Sodium 134.4, Carbohydrate 17.8, Fiber 5, Sugar 7, Protein 5.8

Elijah Gooden
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This cake is a great way to celebrate Passover. It's delicious and festive, and it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.


Alice Katongomara
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I'm allergic to nuts, so I was excited to find this nut-free Passover cake recipe. It turned out great and I'm so glad I tried it.


Maduranga Dilshan
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This cake is a bit challenging to make, but it's worth the effort. The end result is a beautiful and delicious cake that is sure to impress your guests.


MONOAR KHAN
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I'm not a huge fan of Passover cakes, but this one is really good. It's not too sweet and the texture is perfect.


Abdi Shukri
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I've made this cake several times now and it's always a hit. It's a great way to use up leftover matzo meal.


Scott Borders
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This is the best Passover cake I've ever had. It's so light and fluffy, and the orange flavor is just perfect.


SR Team TV
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This cake is so moist and flavorful. I can't believe it's gluten-free!


Basitraufawan789
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I love the unique flavor of this cake. The combination of orange and almond is really special.


Zahid Kamboh
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This cake is a great alternative to traditional Passover cakes. It's gluten-free and nut-free, making it a great option for people with allergies.


Yara Magdy
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I was disappointed with this cake. It was dry and crumbly, and the flavor was bland.


mehndi hub
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I found this recipe to be a bit too sweet for my taste. I think I'll try reducing the amount of sugar next time.


Khaya Balthafa
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This cake is a bit time-consuming to make, but it's worth the effort. The end result is a delicious and beautiful cake that is sure to impress your guests.


Mim Shekh
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I've never been a fan of Passover cakes, but this one is an exception. It's light and fluffy, and the orange flavor is really refreshing.


Al Sadi
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This cake is a great way to use up leftover matzo meal. I always have a bag of matzo meal in my pantry and I love finding new ways to use it.


Hasibur Rahman
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I was a bit skeptical about this recipe at first, but I'm so glad I tried it! The cake turned out amazing and it was a huge hit with my friends.


Waseem Sadiq
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I love how this cake is not too sweet. It's the perfect balance of flavors and textures.


Skyler Asher
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This cake is so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I've made it for birthdays, potlucks, and even just for a special treat for my family.


Mas Mrs
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I made this cake for my family last Passover and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved the unique flavor and texture.


Lorna A. G.
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This Passover cake is a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring. The flavors of orange and almond blend beautifully, creating a moist and flavorful cake that is a perfect addition to any holiday table.