Forgotten Torte
A light and airy meringue-based dessert with vanilla and almond flavors, topped with whipped cream and fresh fruit—perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Butter the bottom (not sides) of an angel food cake pan.
- Set oven to 450°F (232°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whip egg whites, salt, and cream of tartar until frothy.
- Add 2 tablespoons of sugar at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Add vanilla and almond extracts.
- Beat until glossy and stiff peaks form.
- Spread the meringue mixture into the prepared pan.
- Turn off the oven and place the pan inside overnight to dry out.
- Next day, carefully remove the torte from the pan.
- Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Top with whipped cream or Cool Whip and serve with strawberries or seasonal fruit.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry to achieve the maximum volume with the egg whites. If you don't have cream of tartar, lemon juice or white vinegar can serve as a substitute. Consider adding a pinch of cocoa powder to the meringue for a subtle chocolate flavor or folding in finely crushed nuts for added texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Forgotten Torte with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or Cool Whip for added richness. It pairs beautifully with seasonal fruits such as strawberries, which enhance its lightness. For a complete dessert experience, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light fruit coulis for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve its texture, avoid stacking any layers on top of one another. If you want to reheat it, place it in a low oven (around 200°F) for a few minutes to warm without compromising its delicate structure.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Forgotten Torte contains roughly 202 calories, with 15g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1950mg per serving (85% 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 make this torte in advance?
Yes, the torte can be made a day in advance. Once baked and cooled, store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Just be sure to top it with whipped cream and fruits just before serving to maintain freshness.
How can I tell when the meringue is ready?
The meringue is ready when it forms stiff peaks and has a glossy appearance. To test, lift the beaters out of the mixture; if the peaks stand straight up without collapsing, it's perfect for spreading into the pan.
What can I use instead of almond extract?
If you're not a fan of almond extract or have allergies, you can substitute it with additional vanilla extract or a few drops of hazelnut extract for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of the quantity, as some extracts can be stronger than others.
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).