STRAWBERRY-ALMOND CHOCOLATE TORTE

Strawberry-Almond Chocolate Torte image

"This layer cake is wonderful when strawberries are in season," Diane Kensinger of Manheim, Pennsylvania notes of her eye-catching dinner finale. "Sometimes I'll make it and invite family for a spur-of-the-minute dessert night! The recipe won first prize at a local farm show."

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 1h

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 19

Ingredients

10 egg whites
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup baking cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 cups sugar
2/3 cup cold brewed coffee
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
FILLING:
1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1 carton (8 ounces) frozen reduced-fat whipped topping, thawed
TOPPING:
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons baking cocoa
1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
6 fresh strawberries, cut into thick slices

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Coat the bottom of three 9-in. round baking pans with cooking spray; line with waxed paper. Spray the paper with cooking spray and dust with flour; set aside. Sift the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt together three times. , Beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in sugar, about 2 tablespoons at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form and sugar is dissolved. Combine coffee and extracts. Fold dry ingredients into egg mixture alternately with coffee mixture. , Spread into prepared pans. Bake at 375° for 10-15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. Gently peel off waxed paper. Cool completely., In a bowl, gently mash the strawberries; stir in almond extract. Fold in whipped topping. Place one cake layer on a serving platter; top with half of the filling. Repeat layers. Top with remaining cake layer. , In a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Combine confectioners' sugar and cocoa; add to cream. Beat until stiff peaks form. Frost top of cake. Garnish with almonds and strawberries. Chill for at least 1 hour before cutting. Refrigerate leftovers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 271 calories, Fat 8g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 14mg cholesterol, Sodium 254mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (30g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 6g protein.