Best Ludlat Dort Czech Sour Cherry Torte Recipes

SOUR CHERRY CHOCOLATE TORTE

Steps:

• Pre heat oven to 350 degrees, butter a 9" spring-form pan dust with ground almonds (or fine, dry unseasoned bread crumbs), shake out extra, set aside.
• Drain cherries, then spread in a single layer on several thicknesses of paper towel, while you continue to prepare the torte.
• Melt chocolate in double boiler or microwave, watch carefully, don't allow any water to get in the chocolate or it will seize.
• Cream the butter, add extracts and sugar, beat well; add eggs one at a time beating after each until mixed.
• On low add chocolate, beat until mixed, add almonds, then flour mixing just until incorporated.
• Spread about half or a little more of the batter into the pan (it is thick, using an offset spatula helps) place cherries one at a time over batter in a single layer, they can touch the sides, spoon and spread the remaining batter over the cherries, going slow helps prevent pull up.
• Bake 45 -50 minutes, the cake will be dry and crusty on top and a toothpick will come out clean. Cool for 15 minutes on a rack, then remove sides of the pan, let stand until almost cool ( to serve warm this is about 30 minutes).
• To remove bottom of the pan - cover cake with a rack and flip over, remove pan bottom - you may need to slip a thin spatula between the torte and pan bottom to loosen, cover cake with serving plate and flip back over ( I've been know to serve from the pan bottom, just keep your thin spatula handy).
• Note: Almonds should be finely ground in a blender or food processor, they should be almost powdery). Almond meal or almond flour (fancy names for ground almonds) can be found in some health food stores or at Trader Joes, though it can be very pricey under some labels. I prefer the freshness of grinding the almonds myself.
• Use real whipping cream unless you have dairy issues; a little kirsch added as you whip it is a nice touch.

CHERRY TORTE

Steps:

• Beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
• Add 2 cups sugar, nuts, vanilla and crushed cracker crumbs.; mix well.
• Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.
• Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes.
• Let crust cool completely.
• Beat whipping cream until it thickens.
• Add sugar and, if using, vanilla.
• Beat well.
• Cover crust with whipped cream mixture.
• Add cherry pie filling on top of whipped cream mixture.
• Refrigerate 2-3 hours.
• Note: In place of the whipping cream, 4 T sugar and vanilla, I sometimes use 1 container (16 ounces) of Cool Whip.

OLD-FASHIONED CHERRY TORTE

Steps:

• Combine cracker crumbs and butter; press onto the bottom of a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish., In a large bowl, beat the egg whites, vinegar and vanilla on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread meringue evenly over crust. Bake at 400° for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Cool completely on a wire rack., Spread pie filling over meringue. Top with whipped cream. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

LUDLAT DORT (CZECH SOUR CHERRY TORTE)

Steps:

• Cover the cherries with rum and allow to soak overnight.
• Beat butter, sugar and egg yolks until light and fluffy. Add cocoa powder and mix well. Add flour gradually. Beat egg whites stiff and fold into cocoa mixture.
• Pour into two layer pans and bake in 300F oven for 45 minutes. Remove from pans and cool on rack.
• In double boiler, bring cream and chocolate squares to melting point stirring continuously. When chocolate is melted, remove from heat and allow to cool completely. It will beat better if you refrigerate it for a time. Beat until very smooth and thick.
• Spread one cake layer with thin layer of chocolate frosting and top with drained cherries. Place second layer atop first layer and cover rest of cake with remaining chocolate frosting.