Best 7 Holiday Walnut Torte Recipes

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With the rich, nutty flavor of walnuts and decadent layers of chocolate and cream cheese, the holiday walnut torte is a must-have dessert for any special occasion. With a symphony of textures and flavors, it is sure to be the star of your holiday spread. From its humble origins in Europe to its current status as a culinary masterpiece, the holiday walnut torte has stood the test of time. Its versatility allows it to be customized to suit any taste, making it a perfect choice for a wide range of celebrations. Whether you prefer a classic recipe or one with a modern twist, this article will help you find the best holiday walnut torte recipe that will delight your family and friends.

Let's cook with our recipes!

WALNUT TORTE



Walnut Torte image

A hint of citrus complements the rich walnut taste of this lovely three-layer flourless cake from Kathryn Anderson of Wallkill, New York. Toasted chopped walnuts make a great garnish atop her smooth buttercream frosting.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 45m

Yield 15 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 20

9 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups finely ground walnuts
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
1/2 cup shortening
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons whole milk
Additional walnuts, chopped and toasted

Steps:

  • Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line three greased 9-in. round baking pans with waxed paper; grease the paper and set aside. , In a large bowl, beat egg yolks until slightly thickened. Gradually add sugar, beating until thick and pale yellow. Beat in the water, zests and vanilla. Combine the walnuts, bread crumbs, baking powder, cinnamon, cloves and salt; add to batter. Beat until smooth., In another bowl and with clean beaters, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of egg whites into the batter, then fold in remaining whites., Pour into prepared 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. Carefully peel off waxed paper. , For frosting, in a large bowl, cream shortening and butter. Beat in vanilla. Gradually beat in sugar. Add milk; beat until light and fluffy. Spread frosting between layers and over top and sides of cake. Garnish with toasted walnuts.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 456 calories, Fat 26g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 144mg cholesterol, Sodium 265mg sodium, Carbohydrate 51g carbohydrate (44g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 7g protein.

WALNUT-DATE TORTE



Walnut-Date Torte image

Provided by Melissa Roberts

Categories     Food Processor     Mixer     Dessert     Bake     Passover     Date     Walnut     Spring     Kosher     Kosher for Passover     Gourmet     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Dairy Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup boiling-hot water
1 1/2 cups pitted dates (1/2 pound), finely chopped
1 1/2 cups walnuts (5 ounces), toasted and cooled
3/4 cup sugar, divided
2/3 cup matzo meal
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature 30 minutes
Accompaniment:
Accompaniment: unsweetened whipped cream
Garnish: Passover powdered sugar

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Generously grease a 9- by 2-inch round cake pan with softened butter or vegetable oil and dust with some matzo meal, knocking out excess.
  • Pour hot water over dates in a large bowl and let stand 15 minutes to soften.
  • Pulse walnuts in a food processor until chopped, then add 1/4 cup sugar and pulse until nuts are finely ground. Add matzo meal (2/3 cup), zest, cardamom, and salt and pulse until combined.
  • Beat egg whites with a pinch of salt in a bowl using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until they just hold soft peaks. Add remaining 1/2 cup sugar in a slow stream, beating until whites hold stiff glossy peaks.
  • Whisk yolks into date mixture. Fold one third of yolk mixture into whites, then fold in remaining yolk mixture gently but thoroughly. Fold all of nut mixture into batter.
  • Spoon batter into cake pan and bake until golden and springy to the touch and cake just begins to pull away from side of pan, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan on a rack 30 minutes, then invert onto rack and cool completely.

HUNGARIAN WALNUT TORTE



Hungarian Walnut Torte image

"This truly special cake with its creamy not-too-sweet filling is one I've made for years. People say it is excellent," notes Jeannette Jeremias of Kitchener, Ontario. "I'm the first generation of my Hungarian family to be born in Canada."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
5 tablespoons water
1/2 cup ground walnuts
FILLING:
1-1/4 cups whole milk
1 package (3.4 ounces) cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
White and dark chocolate curls, optional

Steps:

  • Let eggs stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a large bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar for 10 minutes or until light lemon-colored. Beat in vanilla. Combine cake flour and baking powder; add to egg mixture alternately with water, beating well. Fold in walnuts., In another bowl and with clean beaters, beat the egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. Fold a fourth of the egg whites into batter; fold in remaining whites. , Pour into two greased and floured 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., In a small saucepan, whisk the milk and pudding mix. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat. Pour into a bowl; press a piece of waxed paper or plastic wrap over pudding. Refrigerate for 30 minutes., In a bowl, cream the butter, shortening and confectioners' sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and cooled pudding. Split each cake into two layers. Place one bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with about 3/4 cup filling. Repeat layers. Garnish with chocolate curls if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 390 calories, Fat 21g fat (8g saturated fat), Cholesterol 130mg cholesterol, Sodium 190mg sodium, Carbohydrate 45g carbohydrate (32g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

FESTIVE THANKSGIVING TORTE



Festive Thanksgiving Torte image

As a transplanted American living in Paris, Ann Schreifels had the task of hosting Thanksgiving, a holiday the locals didn't celebrate, in a city that is arguably the culinary capital of the world, to a guest list that included meat eaters and vegans. Her solution: Try to please everyone. "The result was accolades from around the table," says Ms. Schreifels. "And every time I serve it (and I mean every) someone asks for the recipe and says, 'I'm going to serve this to my family and see if they can tell it doesn't have meat in it.'"

Provided by Tara Parker-Pope

Categories     main course

Time 1h30m

Yield 16 wedges or 8 large wedges

Number Of Ingredients 14

3 large sweet potatoes
2 cups cooked green lentils
1 cup oats
1 cup walnuts
1 cup cooked brown rice
1 15-ounce can of chickpeas
2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon peanut or almond butter (I use peanut butter)
1 6-ounce can of tomato paste
1/3 cup vegetable broth (or water)
salt and pepper (optional)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a 10-inch springform pan and line the bottom with a circle of parchment paper, and then lightly grease the parchment. Peel the sweet potatoes and slice lengthwise on a Japanese mandoline into ¼-inch slices. Arrange the sweet potato slices in the pan, fanning from the center and overlapping the pieces. Spread the lentils into an even layer over the sweet potatoes and gently press to pack.
  • In a food processor, pulse the oats and walnuts until a coarse meal is formed. Pour into a large bowl and set aside. Combine the cooked brown rice, chickpeas, poultry seasoning, garlic powder, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, nut butter, and tomato paste in the food processor and purée into a smooth mixture. Add to the large bowl with the oat and walnut meal, and fold together until completely incorporated. Add the vegetable broth or water gradually, and stir. Add just enough to create a spreadable consistency.
  • Gently drop dollops of the mixture over the lentils, and spread into an even layer. Cover the springform pan with foil and bake for 40 minutes, until the edges appear cooked and slightly dry. Uncover and bake for 15 minutes, until the top is dry to the touch. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly. When the springform pan is cool enough to handle, flip the torte out onto an ovenproof serving dish.
  • Broil the torte until the sweet potatoes begin to caramelize. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving. Can be served warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 228, UnsaturatedFat 3 grams, Carbohydrate 40 grams, Fat 4 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 11 grams, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 280 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams

DARK CHOCOLATE AND WALNUT TORTE



Dark Chocolate and Walnut Torte image

"Don't be fooled by the fancy word: a torte is just a cake! And this one is made special by the added richness of the walnuts. This torte doesn't have a lot of flour so the texture isn't heavy. It's just heavy on flavor. The lightness of this torte is something everyone will appreciate in the midst of all of the pumpkin pies and tins of holiday cookies." -Alex Guarnaschelli

Provided by Alex Guarnaschelli

Categories     dessert

Time 45m

Yield 12 Servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/3 cup Fisher® Walnut Halves and pieces
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
9 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, cut into 1/2 inch slices, plus extra for greasing the pan
6 large eggs, separated into whites and yolks
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
2 Tbsp. confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup Fisher® Walnut Halves and Pieces, toasted
1 cup fresh raspberries

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Line bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment or waxed paper. Grease the bottom and sides of the pan with butter. Chop the untoasted walnuts and flour in a food processor fitted with the blade until smooth, set aside.
  • Combine the chocolate and butter in a heatproof glass bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH 1 minute; stir mixture then microwave for additional 30 seconds. Stir until chocolate is melted; set aside.
  • Beat the egg yolks, ¾ cup sugar and vanilla on high in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, until pale yellow, 5-8 minutes. Stir in chocolate mixture then stir in reserved walnut and flour mixture.
  • Combine the egg whites, cream of tartar and a small amount of the remaining ¼ cup sugar in the bowl of an electric mixture. Whip on high speed with the whisk attachment until the whisk leaves visible paths in the egg whites and the mixture looks light, glossy and fluffy. Beat in the remaining sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form, about 1 to 2 minutes
  • Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture in thirds until it is well blended. Gently transfer the batter to the prepared springform pan.
  • Bake until a toothpick or cake tester comes out of the cake clean, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool in pan; the center will sink a little as it cools, don't worry. Run a paring knife around the edge of the pan to make sure the edges are free before unmolding and removing the top part of the pan
  • Use a fine sieve to sprinkle confectioner's sugar over top. Sprinkle with toasted walnuts and raspberries before serving.

CHOCOLATE WALNUT TORTE



Chocolate Walnut Torte image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     dessert

Time 1h13m

Yield 8 to 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
1/2 cup matzo cake meal, plus extra, for flouring the pan
8 ounces semisweet chocolate
5 eggs
3 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar
7 ounces (about 2 1/3 cups) finely ground walnuts
1/2 cup egg whites (from about 4 eggs)
1/2 cup sugar
8 ounces (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, melted
2 teaspoons cold brewed coffee

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Butter a 10-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with waxed or parchment paper. Flour the sides of the pan with matzo cake meal.
  • In the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring frequently. Set aside to cool slightly.
  • In a mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or using a hand mixer), whip the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until very light and fluffy. Fold in the hot chocolate mixture. In a small bowl, mix the matzo meal and ground walnuts. Fold into the chocolate-egg mixture. Pour into the prepared pan and bake until firm and dry on the top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean (a few crumbs are OK), about 35 to 40 minutes.
  • Let cool 20 minutes in the pan, then turn out onto a rack and let cool to room temperature. Transfer to a serving plate and refrigerate 1 hour.
  • Meanwhile, make the frosting: In the top of a double boiler set over barely simmering water, whisk the egg whites and sugar together until the mixture is very hot and the sugar has dissolved somewhat. Remove from the heat and whip the mixture in a mixer (or using a hand mixer) until cooled, smooth, and fluffy. Add the butter and whip until smooth; the mixture might look broken at this point, but keep whipping and it will smooth out.
  • Drizzle in the melted chocolate and coffee, and whip until smooth and fluffy. Using a flexible spatula, frost the chilled cake on the top and sides.
  • Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 24 hours. Remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before serving.

HOLIDAY CHOCOLATE TORTE



Holiday Chocolate Torte image

This rich, creamy chocolate torte makes a decadent holiday or special occasion dessert. Creamy cheese layer, topped with a chocolate pudding layer, topped with whipped cream, shaved chocolate and almonds, all inside a pecan crust. Delicious!

Provided by littleturtle

Categories     Dessert

Time 50m

Yield 16 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 cup pecans, ground
1 1/2 cups flour or 1 1/2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs
3/4 cup butter or 3/4 cup margarine, melted
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 cup Cool Whip, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
2 1/2 cups milk
2 (3 1/2 ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding mix
1/2 tablespoon powdered instant coffee (heaping)
2 cups Cool Whip (remainder of 8 oz pkg)
sliced almonds or hazelnuts, to garnish
grated chocolate, to garnish

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13x2-inch pan.
  • In small bowl, mix crust ingredients, and press into pan.
  • Bake until lightly browned (15 minutes).
  • Cool completely.
  • Beat ingredients for 1st layer until creamy, and spread over cooled crust.
  • Combine ingredients for 2nd layer and mix thoroughly.
  • Spread over cream cheese layer.
  • Cover with remaining cool whip.
  • Sprinkle with almonds and chocolate to garnish, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • To serve, cut torte into bars.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 360.7, Fat 23.8, SaturatedFat 13, Cholesterol 43.8, Sodium 302.8, Carbohydrate 33.6, Fiber 1.4, Sugar 17.3, Protein 4.7

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start baking, make sure you have all the ingredients and tools you need. This will help you stay organized and avoid any mishaps.
  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: This will make a big difference in the flavor of your torte.
  • Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can make the torte tough.
  • Bake the torte until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean: This will ensure that the torte is cooked through.
  • Let the torte cool completely before frosting it: This will help the frosting set properly.
  • Store the torte in the refrigerator for up to 3 days: Bring it to room temperature before serving.

Conclusion:

This holiday walnut torte is a delicious and elegant dessert that is perfect for any special occasion. With its rich chocolate flavor, crunchy walnuts, and creamy frosting, this torte is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. So next time you're looking for a special dessert to make, give this holiday walnut torte a try. You won't be disappointed!

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