COFFEE NUT TORTE

Steps:

• 1. Separate eggs. Allow egg yolks and egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a medium bowl stir together flour and baking powder; set aside.
• 2. In a large mixing bowl beat egg yolks, sugar, and coffee with an electric mixer on low until combined. Beat on high about 5 minutes or until satin smooth. Add flour mixture and beat until combined; stir in nuts. Set aside.
• 3. Thoroughly wash beaters. In a very large mixing bowl beat egg whites on medium until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold batter into beaten egg whites until combined. Pour into three 9x1-1/2-inch baking pans which have been greased and lined with waxed paper (also greased).
• 4. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until cake tops spring back when lightly touched. Cool cake layers on wire racks for 10 minutes. Remove cake layers from pans; remove waxed paper. Cool thoroughly on wire racks.
• 5. Spread 1/2 cup Creamy Butter Frosting on each layer; stack layers. Frost sides and top of cake with remaining frosting. If desired, garnish with chopped nuts. Loosely cover and chill cake for up to 3 days.
• 6. CREAMY BUTTER FROSTING: In a small saucepan whisk milk into cornstarch. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Stir in rum or rum extract. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Cool to room temperature (do not stir).
• 7. In a large mixing bowl beat softened butter for 30 seconds. Add 2 cups powdered sugar; unsweetened cocoa powder and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on medium until light and fluffy. Add cooled milk mixture to butter mixture, half at a time, beating on low after each addition until smooth. Beat in 5 to 6 cups additional powdered sugar until spreading consistency. Garnish with chopped walnuts or pecans if desired. Makes about 3-1/4 cups.