CHOCOLATE PECAN TORTE

Chocolate Pecan Torte image

This impressive dessert looks lovely on a buffet table. It takes some time to prepare, but it's worth the effort. -Lois Schlickau, Haven, Kansas

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h20m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

8 large eggs, separated
1-1/2 cups sugar, divided
1-1/2 cups ground pecans
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup water
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE FROSTING:
3 cups heavy whipping cream
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup baking cocoa
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
CHOCOLATE GLAZE:
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon butter
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Combine pecans, flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add to yolk mixture alternately with water. Stir in vanilla. , In another large bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. , Spoon into two greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 375° for 20-22 minutes or until cake springs back when lightly touched. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Beat in confectioners' sugar, cocoa and vanilla until stiff peaks form. Cut each cake horizontally into two layers. Place bottom layer on a serving plate; top with about 1 cup frosting. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining layer., For glaze, in a small saucepan, combine cocoa, water and butter. Cook and stir over medium heat until butter is melted. Remove from the heat; stir in confectioners' sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread over top of cake. Spread remaining frosting over sides of cake. Store in the refrigerator.,

Nutrition Facts : Calories 418 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 169mg cholesterol, Sodium 209mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (34g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 7g protein.