CHOCOLATE/WHIPPING CREAM TORTE

Chocolate/Whipping Cream Torte image

Special occasions call for extraordinary desserts like this impressive-looking torte. It may take some time to prepare but the smiles on the faces of family and friends makes it all worth it! -Rita Futral, Starkville, Mississippi

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h5m

Yield 22 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter, cubed
3 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1-1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1-1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
FILLING:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
ICING:
1/4 cup butter
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups confectioners' sugar, sifted

Steps:

In heavy saucepan or microwave, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Cool. , In a chilled large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add the eggs, vanilla and cooled chocolate mixture; beat on low speed just until combine. Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. With mixer on low speed, add dry ingredients to creamed mixture until just combined. , Pour into three greased and floured 8- or 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely. , For filling, beat cream in a chilled small bowl until soft peaks form; set aside. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Add whipped cream, beat until smooth. , Split each cake into two horizontal layers. Place one layer on a serving plate; top with about 1/2 cup filling. Repeat four times. Top with remaining cake layer. Cover and refrigerate., For frosting, melt butter and chocolate in a heavy saucepan or microwave; stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature; transfer to a large bowl. Add cream and vanilla; mix well. Beat in confectioners' sugar. Spread over top and sides of cake. Garnish with strawberries if desired. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 412 calories, Fat 24g fat (15g saturated fat), Cholesterol 106mg cholesterol, Sodium 188mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (35g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.