ALMOND TORTE

Almond Torte image

Reduced-fat sour cream, egg whites and applesauce lighten up this gorgeous almond torte. A creamy custard filling lends richness. -Kathy Olsen, Marlborough, New Hampshire

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h10m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
3 large egg yolks, room temperature
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
CAKE:
4 large egg whites, room temperature
1/3 cup butter, softened
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
2 large egg yolks, room temperature
1/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sliced almonds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Steps:

In a double boiler or metal bowl over simmering water, constantly whisk the sugar, cornstarch, sour cream and egg yolks until mixture reaches 160° or is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. , Remove from the heat; stir in butter and extracts until blended. Press waxed paper onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight., Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line two 8-in. round baking pans with waxed paper. Coat sides and paper with cooking spray; sprinkle with flour and set aside., In a large bowl, beat butter and 1/2 cup sugar until blended, about 2 minutes. Add egg yolks; mix well. Beat in the milk, applesauce and vanilla (mixture may appear curdled). Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; add to butter mixture. Transfer to prepared pans; set aside., Using clean beaters, beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Spread evenly over batter; sprinkle with almonds and cinnamon., Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned. Cool in pans on wire racks for 10 minutes (meringue will crack). Loosen edges of cakes from pans with a knife. Using 2 large spatulas, carefully remove 1 cake to a serving plate, meringue side up; remove remaining cake to a wire rack, meringue side up. Cool cakes completely., Carefully spread custard over cake on serving plate; top with remaining cake. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 215 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 79mg cholesterol, Sodium 99mg sodium, Carbohydrate 32g carbohydrate (24g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein. Diabetic Exchanges