PECAN TORTE

Pecan Torte image

This is an old family recipe that uses our Texas pecans. I've made it often for birthdays and family gatherings. My brother-in-law said it was the only cake he's ever eaten in which the cake tastes as good as the frosting!

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Desserts

Time 55m

Yield 12-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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Ingredients

12 large eggs, separated
2 cups sugar
2-1/2 cups ground pecans
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:
1 cup milk
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whole pecans, optional

Steps:

In a bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until thick and lemon-colored, about 5-6 minutes. Combine pecans and bread crumbs; stir into yolk mixture with vanilla. In another bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form; fold into batter. Divide evenly among three greased and waxed paper-lined 9-in. round baking pans. Bake at 350° for 25-30 minutes or until cakes test done. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pan; cool completely on a wire rack. For frosting, combine milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until well blended. Add chocolate chips. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened. Cool to room temperature. In a bowl, cream butter and confectioners' sugar. Add vanilla and beat until smooth. Stir in chocolate mixture; beat until fluffy. Spread between cooled cake layers. Frost top and sides. Garnish with pecans if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 525 calories, Fat 30g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 192mg cholesterol, Sodium 203mg sodium, Carbohydrate 60g carbohydrate (52g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.