Chocolate Almond Torte
A rich, decadent chocolate almond torte featuring smooth semi-sweet chocolate, ground almonds, and subtle vanilla and almond flavors, perfect for special occasions or elegant dessert gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan, over medium heat, melt the semi-sweet chocolate with the butter.
- Mix in the sugar with a whisk, followed by the eggs, ground almonds, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Spray an 8-inch layer pan with spray shortening; line the bottom with parchment or wax paper.
- Spray with more shortening and dust with flour.
- Turn the batter into the prepared pan and bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 25 minutes.
- Cool in the pan on a rack for 20 minutes.
- Turn the cake out of the pan and peel off the paper. Finish cooling.
- Dust with confectioners sugar before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet. If you prefer a nut-free version, you can substitute ground almonds with ground oats. Ensure to whisk the sugar thoroughly with the melted chocolate for a smooth batter. For a more intense almond flavor, add an extra drop of almond extract. If you're short on time, you can use store-bought whipped cream to top the torte.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Almond Torte pairs beautifully with Nonfat Whipped Cream for a light touch. Consider serving it alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added flavor and texture. A strong cup of coffee or espresso complements the rich chocolate notes perfectly, making it an ideal dessert for gatherings or special occasions.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or enjoy it cold. Be sure to dust with confectioners' sugar just before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Almond Torte contains roughly 262 calories, with 5g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole almonds instead of ground almonds?
Whole almonds need to be ground into a fine meal to achieve the right texture for the torte. You can use a food processor or a high-quality blender to grind them. Measure after grinding to ensure you have the correct amount. Alternatively, you can find pre-ground almond flour at most grocery stores.
What can I use instead of butter?
If you're looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute butter with a plant-based margarine or coconut oil. Both alternatives will yield similar results in texture and flavor. Just ensure that the alternative you choose is suitable for baking and has a similar fat content to butter for the best outcome.
How should I adjust baking time if I double the recipe?
When doubling the recipe, the baking time will likely increase. Start checking for doneness at the original 25 minutes, but be prepared for it to take an additional 10-15 minutes. The torte is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Make sure to use a larger pan to accommodate the increased batter volume.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).