CHOC PECAN TORTE W/STRWBRY BTTRCRM W/CHOC GANACHE

Choc pecan torte w/strwbry bttrcrm w/choc ganache image

The title wasn't able to fit the entire name. It's called Chocolate Pecan Torte with strawberry buttercream and chocolate ganache. This an amazing recipe. I've served this torte at many dinner parties and have had rave reviews. It turns out perfectly every time. It's also gluten-free. Your family and friends won't believe it...

Provided by Marvin Beachler

Time 2h20m

Number Of Ingredients 23

Ingredients

TORTE
1 1/2 c butter (3 sticks) unsalted
2 c cane sugar
8 large eggs
2 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, melted
3 1/2 c pecans, finely ground
BUTTERCREAM
1 1/4 c butter, unsalted (2 1/2 sticks)
2 c confectioners' sugar, sifted
4 large egg yolks
1/2 c strawberries, fresh puree
3 Tbsp strawberry preserves
GANACHE
3 oz semi-sweet chocolate
6 oz dark chocolate
3/4 c cocoa, unsweetened
1/4 c water
1 c butter, unsalted
3 Tbsp safflower oil
1 1/2 c powdered sugar, sifted
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Steps:

1. Torte: In a large mixing bowl, cream butter until light and fluffy, add sugar and mix well. Add eggs, one a time, mixing well after each. Add vanilla and salt and, again, mix well. Stir-in chocolate until well blended and then the ground pecans.
2. Prepare four 9 inch cake pans by coating with butter. Cut out four disks of parchment paper to fit the bottom of the cake pans. After placing the disks into the pans, coat the parchment with butter also.
3. Pour batter equally between the pans. Place in preheated oven at 350 degrees F. Bake about 18 minutes. They're done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The tops will crack. Cool in the pans ten minutes before running a sharp knife around the edges. Invert onto cooling racks.
4. Buttercream: Blend butter with sifted sugar until well blended. Add egg yolks and blend well. Add puréed strawberries and preserves, mix well until light and fluffy. Refrigerate until the consistency is spreadable.
5. Ganache: Melt chocolates with water in a medium sized pot. Add butter and allow to melt. Remove from heat. Add cocoa powder and whisk until smooth, add oil. Pour chocolate mixture into large mixing bowl and beat until smooth. Add sifted powdered sugar and mix on high for two minutes. Add additional sugar if needed to obtain the consistency of thick frosting.
6. Assembly: place a dab of ganache on cake plate. Top with the first cake layer with smooth side down. Spread with 2/3 cup of buttercream and top with the next layer, spread with 2/3 cup buttercream and repeat with the last two layers. Spread the top layer with remaining buttercream. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. Place strips of parchment paper or waxed paper strips along the edge of the bottom layer to avoid getting the ganache on the cake plate. Spread the ganache on the sides, filling the gaps between layers, until a smooth layer coats the sides. Spread a thick layer of ganache on top and smooth out until the top blends with the sides. Refrigerate until 30 minutes before serving. Use a sharp knife to cut the torte.