Harvest Torte

Prep: 15 min Cook: 40 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A delicious apple-based dessert torte featuring tart apples, nuts, and dates, baked into a moist, flavorful square perfect for fall gatherings or cozy dessert moments.

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Ingredients

  • 4 cups diced, unpared tart apples
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup sifted flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup nuts
  • 1/2 cup pitted dates, cut up

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.
  2. Mix thoroughly, but do not beat.
  3. Pour the mixture into a greased 8 x 8-inch pan.
  4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 40 minutes or until apples are tender.
  5. Cut into 6 or 8 squares.
  6. Serve with whipped cream.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture. If you don’t have tart apples, Granny Smith or Braeburn varieties work well as substitutes. For a nut-free version, you can omit the nuts or replace them with oats. Mixing the batter until just combined helps achieve a tender texture, so avoid overmixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Harvest Torte warm or at room temperature, topped with a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. This dessert can also complement a cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for a cozy gathering or as an end to a meal featuring American recipes.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Harvest Torte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. You can refrigerate it for longer freshness, up to a week. To reheat, place individual squares in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Harvest Torte contains roughly 687 calories, with 9g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 578mg per serving (25% of the Daily Value).

687 kcal 34% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 9.4g 19% DV
Total Fat 23.4g 30% DV
Carbs 111.7g 41% DV
Fiber 0.9g 3% DV
Sugar 2g 4% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 577.9mg 25% DV
Potassium 726.6mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 354.6mg 100% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 75.7mcg 8% DV
Vitamin C 11.7mg 13% DV
Calcium 412.7mg 32% DV
Iron 3mg 17% DV
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 other fruits instead of apples?

While apples are traditional for this torte, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape during baking to prevent a soggy texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this Harvest Torte gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check other ingredients, like baking powder, for gluten content.

How can I make this dessert more indulgent?

To elevate the torte, try adding chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate on top. You could also layer in some cream cheese frosting between the squares for a rich flavor contrast.

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).

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