Decadent Holiday Chocolate Dream Torte
Indulge in our Decadent Holiday Chocolate Dream Torte, a show-stopper dessert that features a luscious blend of creamy layers and rich chocolate. The base consists of a buttery pecan crust, providing a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the velvety cream cheese layer, which is elegantly topped with a smooth, chocolate pudding layer infused with a hint of coffee. The masterpiece is finished with a generous dollop of fluffy whipped cream and garnished with delicate slices of almonds and rich chocolate shavings. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this torte promises to steal the spotlight and satisfy every chocolate lover's craving!
16
Servings
200
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground pecans
1 cup (Ground)
Flour or Vanilla wafer crumbs
1 1/2 cups (If using flour, measure directly; if using wafer crumbs, grind wafers into crumbs.)
Butter or Margarine
3/4 cup (Melted)
Cream Cheese
8 ounces (Softened)
Cool Whip
1 cup (Softened (for the first layer))
Powdered Sugar
1 cup (Sifted)
Milk
2 1/2 cups (Cold)
Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix
2 (3.5 oz) packages (Unopened)
Powdered Instant Coffee
1/2 tablespoon (Heaping)
Cool Whip
2 cups (Remaining from the 8 oz package (for topping))
Sliced Almonds or Hazelnuts
For garnish (Optional)
Grated Chocolate
For garnish (Optional)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13x2-inch baking pan.
2
In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground pecans, flour (or vanilla wafer crumbs), and melted butter (or margarine). Mix well to form a moist crust mixture.
3
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom of the greased pan and bake for about 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Once done, remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
4
In a separate mixing bowl, beat together the cream cheese, 1 cup of Cool Whip, and powdered sugar until creamy and smooth. Spread this cream cheese mixture evenly over the cooled pecan crust.
5
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, instant chocolate pudding mix, and heaping tablespoon of powdered instant coffee until well combined and thickened. Pour and spread this chocolate pudding mixture over the cream cheese layer.
6
Top the pudding layer with the remaining 2 cups of Cool Whip, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface.
7
Finally, generously sprinkle the torte with sliced almonds and grated chocolate for a beautiful finish.
8
Cover the torte and refrigerate for a few hours, or until fully set and chilled. For the best flavor, let it chill overnight.
9
To serve, slice the torte into bars and enjoy the delightful layers of flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
22.5g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
10g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Holiday Chocolate Dream Torte?
It is a show-stopper holiday dessert featuring layers of buttery pecan crust, creamy cream cheese, chocolate pudding infused with coffee, and fluffy whipped cream.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 16 servings.
What are the calories per serving for this torte?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What ingredients are used to make the crust?
The crust is made from ground pecans, flour (or vanilla wafer crumbs), and melted butter or margarine.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is required for this recipe?
A lightly greased 9x13x2-inch baking pan is needed.
How long should the pecan crust be baked?
The crust should be baked for about 15 minutes or until it is lightly browned.
Does the crust need to cool before adding layers?
Yes, the crust must be allowed to cool completely after baking.
What is in the second layer of the torte?
The second layer is a blend of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of Cool Whip, and powdered sugar.
What type of pudding is used in the chocolate layer?
The recipe uses two 3.5 oz packages of instant chocolate pudding mix.
Is there coffee in this chocolate torte?
Yes, a heaping tablespoon of powdered instant coffee is whisked into the pudding layer for added depth of flavor.
How much milk is needed for the pudding mixture?
You will need 2 1/2 cups of cold milk.
What is the final topping for the torte?
The final topping is 2 cups of Cool Whip spread evenly over the pudding layer.
What garnishes are recommended for this dessert?
The torte is finished with a generous sprinkle of sliced almonds (or hazelnuts) and grated chocolate.
How long should the torte be refrigerated before serving?
It should be refrigerated for at least a few hours, though chilling it overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
Can I use vanilla wafer crumbs instead of flour?
Yes, the recipe allows for either flour or 1 1/2 cups of ground vanilla wafer crumbs.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
Each serving contains 22.5 grams of carbohydrates.
How much sugar is in one serving of the torte?
There are 10 grams of sugar per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
Each serving provides 2.8 grams of protein.
Does the cream cheese need to be softened?
Yes, 8 ounces of cream cheese should be softened to ensure a smooth, creamy mixture.
How much powdered sugar is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of sifted powdered sugar.
Should the milk for the pudding be cold?
Yes, the instructions specify using 2 1/2 cups of cold milk.
What is the total amount of Cool Whip used in the recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 3 cups of Cool Whip (1 cup for the cream cheese layer and 2 cups for the topping).
Are the nuts in the garnish optional?
Yes, the sliced almonds or hazelnuts used for garnish are listed as optional.
Is the grated chocolate garnish mandatory?
The grated chocolate is an optional garnish for a beautiful finish.
What is the best way to serve this torte?
The torte should be sliced into bars and served chilled.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The fiber content for this recipe is not specified.
What kind of nuts are used in the crust?
Ground pecans are used to create the crust.
Is this dessert suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as a decadent show-stopper perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions.