Decadent Chocolate Sweet Potato Torte
Indulge in this extraordinary Decadent Chocolate Sweet Potato Torte, an innovative recipe inspired by Marcy Goldman's classic, "A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking." This luscious pareve Passover cake boasts a rich, velvety chocolate flavor that closely resembles a light chocolate cheesecake, while surprising your taste buds with its hidden star ingredient—sweet potatoes! Perfect for any occasion, this torte can be enjoyed plain, dusted with cocoa, or elegantly finished with a glossy chocolate ganache. Not only is this dessert a feast for the senses, but it's also a sneaky way to incorporate nutritious vegetables into a delicious treat that kids and adults alike will adore. Serve it in elegant slices or transform it into charming petit fours for a delightful presentation. Whether you're celebrating a holiday or simply satisfying a sweet tooth, this torte is sure to impress.
N/A
Servings
133
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Unsalted margarine
1/2 cup ((1 stick, softened))
Granulated sugar
1/3 cup (plus 2 tablespoons)
Eggs
6 large (separated)
Cooked and mashed sweet potatoes
1 1/2 cups ((fresh or canned))
Passover rum extract
1 teaspoon ((optional))
Semisweet chocolate
10 ounces (melted and cooled)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Water
1/2 cup
Semisweet chocolate
6 ounces (coarsely chopped)
Unsweetened cocoa powder
to taste (sifted)
Semisweet chocolate curls
to garnish
Pureed strawberries or raspberries
to serve
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9-inch springform pan with baking parchment.
2
In a mixing bowl, cream together the unsalted margarine and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until fluffy and well combined.
3
Add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the mashed sweet potatoes, optional rum extract, and the cooled melted chocolate until the mixture is smooth.
4
In a separate bowl, using clean beaters, whip the egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add the salt, then gradually sprinkle in the additional 2 tablespoons of sugar while increasing to high speed. Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form.
5
Gently fold one-third of the whipped egg whites into the sweet potato mixture to lighten it. Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until just combined, ensuring you do not deflate the batter.
6
Spoon the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, until the torte has risen, appears dry, and has a slightly cracked top. The center should be soft but firm.
7
Once baked, cool the torte in the pan for 20 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Chill the cake for 1-2 hours before glazing or serving. The torte can also be frozen for up to a month at this stage.
8
For the ganache glaze, set up a double boiler with gently simmering water. Add the chopped chocolate to the top bowl and stir until melted and smooth. Allow it to cool for about an hour to thicken.
9
When ready to glaze, invert the cake onto a cardboard circle or cake board so that the bottom is facing up. Pour the chocolate ganache over the torte, using a metal spatula to spread it evenly over the top and sides.
10
If you prefer not to use the glaze, simply sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the cake or garnish with chocolate curls made using a vegetable peeler. You can also serve with a pureed berry sauce or additional chocolate shavings for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
18g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Chocolate Sweet Potato Torte?
It is an innovative pareve Passover cake inspired by Marcy Goldman's baking, featuring a rich chocolate flavor and a velvety texture similar to cheesecake.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by Marcy Goldman's classic book, "A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking."
Is this torte suitable for Passover?
Yes, the recipe is specifically designed for Passover and is a pareve dessert option.
Is the Chocolate Sweet Potato Torte dairy-free?
Yes, the cake is pareve and uses unsalted margarine instead of butter to remain dairy-free.
What is the hidden star ingredient in this dessert?
The hidden star ingredient is cooked and mashed sweet potatoes, which add nutrition and moisture.
What does the texture of the torte resemble?
It boasts a rich, velvety chocolate flavor that closely resembles a light chocolate cheesecake.
Can kids enjoy this vegetable-based dessert?
Yes, it is a sneaky way to incorporate nutritious vegetables into a treat that kids and adults alike will adore.
What size pan should be used for baking?
A 9-inch springform pan lined with baking parchment is required for this recipe.
What oven temperature is required?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I mix the margarine and sugar?
Cream together the unsalted margarine and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
When should I add the egg yolks?
Add the egg yolks one at a time to the creamed margarine mixture, mixing well after each addition.
Can I use canned sweet potatoes?
Yes, you can use either fresh or canned cooked and mashed sweet potatoes for this recipe.
Is the rum extract mandatory?
No, the Passover rum extract is optional and can be omitted if preferred.
How do I prepare the egg whites?
Whip the egg whites with salt and additional sugar until stiff, glossy peaks form.
What is the proper way to fold in the egg whites?
Gently fold one-third of the whipped whites into the sweet potato mixture to lighten it, then carefully fold in the remaining whites.
How long does the torte need to bake?
The torte should be baked for approximately 40 minutes.
How do I know when the torte is finished baking?
The torte is done when it has risen, appears dry, and has a slightly cracked top while the center remains soft but firm.
How long should the cake cool in the pan?
The torte should cool in the pan for 20 minutes before being transferred to a wire rack.
Should the torte be chilled before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the cake for 1 to 2 hours before glazing or serving.
Can I freeze this chocolate sweet potato torte?
Yes, the torte can be frozen for up to one month after it has been chilled.
How do I make the ganache glaze?
Melt chopped semisweet chocolate in a double boiler until smooth, then allow it to cool and thicken for about an hour.
How do I apply the chocolate glaze?
Invert the cake so the bottom faces up, pour the ganache over it, and spread evenly over the top and sides with a spatula.
What are alternative toppings if I don't use ganache?
You can sift unsweetened cocoa powder over the top or garnish the cake with chocolate curls.
What garnishes pair well with this torte?
It can be served with pureed strawberries or raspberries, chocolate shavings, or chocolate curls.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 133 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 7 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving contains 18 grams of carbohydrates.
Does this recipe provide protein?
Yes, each serving provides 2 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 ingredients total, including optional items and garnishes.
Can this torte be served as petit fours?
Yes, the torte can be transformed into charming petit fours for a more elegant presentation.