Pesach Hazelnut-Chocolate Viennese Torte
Description
This elegant Viennese-style torte is perfect for Passover celebrations, featuring a dense, moist crumb loaded with finely ground hazelnuts and semi-sweet chocolate. The cake is infused with lemon zest for brightness and brushed with sweet Passover wine before being layered with apricot jam. Topped with a dark chocolate glaze, it offers a sophisticated balance of nutty depth and cocoa richness. This recipe requires no leavening agents, relying on whipped egg whites for lift, making it naturally gluten-free and compliant with kosher-for-Passover dietary needs. It serves beautifully as a dessert for holiday seders or special afternoon tea.Directions
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Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan well and coat with potato starch or sugar, tapping out any excess.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat 5 egg whites with salt and lemon juice until foamy.
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Gradually add 1/4 cup of the sugar to the egg whites, beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks form.
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In a separate bowl, beat the 5 egg yolks, the 1 additional whole egg, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon rind until very light and fluffy.
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Gently but thoroughly fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture.
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Fold in the grated semi-sweet chocolate and finely ground hazelnuts until just combined.
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Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.
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Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the top springs back when gently pressed. Do not worry if it does not rise significantly.
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Turn off the oven, leave the door slightly ajar, and let the torte cool inside for 10 minutes.
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Remove the torte from the oven. Run a knife around the edge to release it from the pan rim.
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Cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove the pan rim and cool completely on the bottom plate.
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Brush the top of the cooled torte with sweet Passover wine.
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Spread the apricot jam evenly over the wine-soaked top.
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To make the glaze, combine water, vegetable oil, sugar, and cocoa powder in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
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Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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Pour the warm chocolate glaze over the jam-covered torte, spreading it to the edges.
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Let the glaze set completely before serving. Garnish with ground hazelnuts, whole hazelnuts, or chocolate curls if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4 cups
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 465.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 33.0g51%
- Saturated Fat 9.9g50%
- Cholesterol 1119.0mg373%
- Sodium 372.0mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 3.3g2%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 3.3g
- Protein 39.0g78%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.