WALNUT RASPBERRY TORTE

Walnut Raspberry Torte image

This lovely three-layered cake is moist, tender and light. It rivals any cake from the finest bakery. I use black walnuts to add a more distinctive flavor. -Janet Zoz, Alvo, Nebraska

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 18

Ingredients

5 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup finely chopped walnuts, toasted
1/2 cup sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
FILLING/FROSTING:
1 cup raspberry preserves, warmed
11 ounces cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup butter, softened
6-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Steps:

Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In another large bowl, cream the shortening, butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour and baking soda; add to creamed mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Stir in walnuts and coconut., Add cream of tarter to egg whites; beat with clean beaters until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites., Pour into three greased and floured 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 24-28 minutes or top springs back lightly when touched. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely., Spread raspberry preserves over the top of two cake layers. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and confectioners' sugar until fluffy. Beat in vanilla. , Place one raspberry-topped cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with some of the frosting. Repeat with second raspberry-topped cake layer. Top with plain cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over the top and sides of cake. Sprinkle with nuts. Store in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 759 calories, Fat 37g fat (17g saturated fat), Cholesterol 127mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 103g carbohydrate (84g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 9g protein.