Strawberry Almond Shortcake Torte
A delightful layered dessert featuring tender shortcake, toasted almonds, fresh strawberries, and creamy almond-flavored sour cream, perfect for special occasions or teatime treats.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large mixer bowl, beat 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup margarine at medium speed until well mixed, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Add 1 egg and 1 teaspoon almond extract; continue beating, scraping bowl often, until creamy, 1 to 2 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and toasted sliced almonds.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round cake pan or springform pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow the shortcake to cool completely.
- In a bowl, mix 1 oz. carton (2 cups) nonfat sour cream, 1/2 cup sugar, and 2 eggs until smooth.
- Spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the cooled shortcake.
- Arrange sliced strawberries over the sour cream layer.
- Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds on top for garnish.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using real butter instead of margarine. If you want a lighter version, substitute the nonfat sour cream with Greek yogurt. For added sweetness, you can add a tablespoon of honey to the sour cream mixture. Ensure the almonds are finely chopped to distribute evenly throughout the cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Strawberry Almond Shortcake Torte pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad. It also makes an excellent dessert for special occasions or gatherings. Don't forget to serve with a slice of Pumpkin Pie Spice Cake for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy the torte at its best, serve it chilled. If needed, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Strawberry Almond Shortcake Torte contains roughly 440 calories, with 5g protein, 67g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 512mg per serving (22% 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 fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh strawberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet for the best flavor. You can slice them just before serving to maintain their freshness.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this torte gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well, and follow the same instructions for mixing and baking.
Can I prepare this torte in advance?
Absolutely! You can make the shortcake base a day ahead and store it covered at room temperature. Assemble the torte with the sour cream and strawberries a few hours before serving for the best flavor and 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).