CARAMEL NUT TORTE

Caramel Nut Torte image

"The full-size version of this recipe caught my eye many years ago because it uses apple cider," shares Karla Stichter of New Paris, Indiana. "My father has a small orchard and we all help pick, wash and sort the apples before they're pressed into cider. We all love this delicious cake."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 50m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

3 large eggs, separated
1/4 cup apple cider or juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup ground almonds
CARAMEL SAUCE:
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons apple cider or juice, divided
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
FROSTING:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Line two 6-in. round baking pans with parchment; coat with cooking spray. In a small bowl, lightly beat egg yolks. Set aside 1 tablespoon. Add cider, vanilla, baking powder, cinnamon and 1/2 cup sugar to remaining yolks. , In another bowl, beat egg whites on medium until soft peaks form. Beat in remaining sugar, about 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Fold a fourth of the whites into batter; then fold in remaining whites. Fold in crumbs and almonds., Gently spoon into prepared pans. Bake at 325° for 20-25 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 10 minutes; remove from pans to wire racks. Cool completely., In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, cornstarch, butter and 2 tablespoons cider. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir a small amount into reserved yolk; return all to pan. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Cool., In a small bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in 2 tablespoons caramel sauce until smooth. Spread over 1 cake; top with remaining cake. Add remaining cider to remaining caramel sauce to achieve drizzling consistency., Beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add sugar and vanilla; beat until soft peaks form. Frost top and sides of cake. Drizzle with caramel sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468 calories, Fat 28g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 170mg cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 50g carbohydrate (38g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 8g protein.