Passover Mocha Nut Torte
A luscious Passover mocha nut torte with rich chocolate, fragrant cinnamon, and nutty layers, perfect for festive occasions and chocolate lovers seeking a decadent dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have eggs at room temperature.
- Heat oven to moderate 350°F (175°C).
- Grease two 9-inch layer pans and line with wax paper, then grease again.
- Beat egg yolks and 1/2 cup of sugar until thick and lemon colored.
- Stir in lemon rind and juice, ground nuts, cinnamon, and matzo meal.
- Beat egg whites until stiff but not dry.
- Gradually beat in remaining sugar and fold into the egg yolk mixture.
- Divide the batter into the prepared pans.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until the cake springs back to touch.
- Invert the pans on a cooling rack and cool in the pans.
- Remove from pans and peel off the paper.
- Whip the heavy cream, flavor with sugar and instant coffee.
- Spread half of the cream on one cake layer.
- Place the second layer on top.
- Spread the remaining cream over the top.
- Garnish with shaved mocha chocolate bar.
- Chill before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using hazelnuts or almonds in place of the mixed nuts. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature for easier whipping. If you're short on matzo meal, crushed gluten-free crackers can be a great substitute. When whipping the cream, add a touch of instant coffee for an extra mocha kick.
Serving Suggestions
This torte is best served chilled, making it a delightful dessert after a festive meal. Pair it with fresh berries or a light fruit salad for contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side would complement the mocha flavor perfectly. For a complete meal, serve alongside a light salad or roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, avoid stacking layers on top of each other. If you want to enjoy it warm, briefly microwave individual slices for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overheat the cream.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Passover Mocha Nut Torte contains roughly 254 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value) and protein (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 694mg per serving (30% 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?
Absolutely! This torte can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the whipped cream until you're ready to serve, to keep it fresh and fluffy.
What if I don't have a mocha chocolate bar?
You can substitute with any high-quality dark chocolate to give a rich flavor. Alternatively, a mix of cocoa powder and a touch of espresso can also enhance the mocha taste.
Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
Yes! This recipe naturally accommodates gluten-free diets by using matzo meal. Ensure the matzo meal is labeled gluten-free, and you can also experiment with almond flour for a different texture.
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).