If you’re a chocolate lover my Italian Chocolate Torte is a delicious way to satisfy that craving. Packed with dried fruit and nuts, topped with a rich chocolate ganache it’s a chocolate lover’s dream that is perfect for the holidays or your next special occasion.
When it comes to anything food-related Italians have created some of my all-time favorite desserts. And this Chocolate Torte (aka Torta Ricca con Frutta Secca e Disidratata) has been a favorite since I first discovered it on a trip to Florence twenty-some years ago.
The ganache topping adds another layer of chocolaty deliciousness that takes this decadent dessert to another level. Top it with fresh whip cream
What ingredients do I need to make an Italian Chocolate Torte?
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Italian Chocolate Torte. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.
Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.
Do I have to use dried fruit or nuts in this cake?
No, you don’t. You could add additional nuts, or your favorite chocolate chips or other chips instead.
You may be surprised at how much you enjoy the added layer of flavor the fruit adds to the cake, it’s definitely worth trying the recipe as is.
If you have nut allergies you can also replace the nuts with your favorite baking chips or additional dried fruit.
How do I make an Italian Chocolate Torte?
Start by spreading the mixed nuts on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven. Roast the nuts for about 10 minutes turning them once halfway through the process.
*After allowing them to cool, chop them into smaller pieces.
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place the pieces in a bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate until it has completely melted, then set aside until needed.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) whip the softened butter with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes on medium to high speed using the whisk attachment of your mixer.
- Add the mascarpone, and Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix just enough to combine.
- Add the melted chocolate, flour, egg yolks, and cocoa to the mixture. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Add the cranberries, roasted nuts, pineapple, candied ginger and rum to the mixture. Fold these ingredients in until combined.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the salt, until soft peaks are formed.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites to the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan, using a spatula to level the surface.
- Place the pan on a cookie sheet and place on the middle rack in a preheated 350-degree oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack while you make the topping.
How do I make the Chocolate Topping?
Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to a bowl over simmering water, with the butter and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
Let the topping cool for about 10 minutes then using an offset spatula spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the torte, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake.
*Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set up before slicing.
Who’s ready to join me in a slice of deliciousness? I promise your friend and family are going to love my Italian Chocolate Torte!
And if you’re a serious chocolate lover, you’re going to love my Flourless Chocolate Cake.
More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!
Italian Chocolate Torte (Torta Ricca con Frutta Secca e Disidratata)
Equipment
- springform pan
Ingredients
Chocolate Torte
- 1 ½ cups mixed nuts I used pecans, cashews, pistachio’s
- 8.75 oz bittersweet chocolate 65% cocoa or better. – chopped
- 10 ½ tablespoon unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mascarpone
- ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
- 3 large eggs separated
- 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
- 2 tablespoon rum optional
- ¾ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
- ½ cup dried pineapple cut in small pieces
- ½ cup candied ginger cut it small pieces
- ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Topping
- 8 oz semi sweet chocolate chopped
- 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoon heavy cream
Instructions
Chocolate Torte
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the rack in the middle of the oven.
- Coat the inside of a 9-inch springform pan liberally with butter. and set aside until needed.*a smaller springform pan can be used to make a taller cake, but it will require a longer baking time.
- Start by spreading the mixed nuts on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven. Roast the nuts for about 10 minutes turning them once halfway through the process. Don't let the nuts burn!After allowing them to cool, chop them into smaller pieces.
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place the pieces in a bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate until it has completely melted, then set aside until needed.
- Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) whip the softened butter with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes on medium to high speed using the whisk attachment of your mixer.
- Next, add the mascarpone, and Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix just enough to combine.
- Add the melted chocolate, flour, egg yolks, and cocoa to the mixture. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
- Then add the cranberries, roasted nuts, pineapple and candied ginger to the mixture. Fold these ingredients in until combined.
- In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the salt, until soft peaks are formed.
- Carefully fold the whipped egg whites to the chocolate mixture.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan and place on a cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for 30-40 mintes.*If you're using a 9-inch springform pan, start checking your cake, after 30 minutes of baking. If you use a smaller springform pan the cooking time will increase by about 10 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack while you make the glaze.
Chocolate Topping
- Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to a bowl over simmering water, with the butter and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
- Let the topping cool for about 10 minutes then using an offset spatula spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the torte, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake. *Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set up before slicing
- Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries, or just by itself. This cake will go wonderfully with coffee, milk or a glass of red wine!
ladymorgiana
oh my, this looks so gorgeous! I haven't been around for quite a while, and so much missed reading your posts! You mesmerized me as always Chef!
ladymorgiana
oh my, this looks so gorgeous! I haven't been around for quite a while, and so much missed reading your posts! You mesmerized me as always Chef!
Maranda
Sorry this cake didn't turn out as you wanted it to…but it still looks great! I'll take a slice with a cup of coffee!
the constant hunger
This looks sensational. I think I have this issue of Cucina Italiana. This is the perfect thing to make for coffee time with friends.
Lin Ann
It's so nice to "hear" you "speak" so well about your job. Makes getting up a lot easier in the morning when you look forward to your work. How could you come up with a better menu? From what I've seen, it already looks perfect. I wish you were the chef at my kids' schools! I think I would want to volunteer in the kitchen if you were, if that would be allowed. And that's a wonderful magazine you're talking about. Your cake looks marvelous!
Big Dude
It's hard to beat enjoying your job. The chocolate torte looks to die for.
Marguerite
Now that is what I call decadent! Beautiful cake and I'm putting it on my special occasions list. Thanks for the great recipe!
Torviewtoronto
this looks delicious love the presentation with the rose
I haven't had this combination of flavours with chocolate
Danielle
I know how you feel about a rough year! The culinary school I work for has a brand new building being built ready to open for the next semester..its been a mad house!! Rest up 🙂
Elyse @The Cultural Dish
Regardless if the cake came out more dry for you, it looks absolutely delicious and very moist! I could eat that glaze plain… 🙂
Chris's Gourmet Fashion
Mistake or not, this cake looks truly decadent! I wouldn't mind a slice right now with a cup of tea 🙂 I havn't seen Cucina Italiana around in a while .. I have some old copies and I love the magazine too.
anniebakes
more chocolate galze is always a good thing, but this looks beautiful the way it is, anne
Carrie @ Pure & Yummy
I love all things chocolate, and this cake looks and sounds fantastic! I want to eat it NOW! 🙂 I am sure that your students love and appreciate all the wonderful food, I know I would!
Linda
This reminds me of a chocolate fruitcake with gooey chocolatey glaze! I don't think anyone would turn down a slice of this cake! Looking forward to seeing all your summer cooking!
Christine's Pantry
Hi Chef Dennis, this cake looks amazing, and sounds delicious! I'd eat a piece or two.