Decadent Prune Layer Torte
This Decadent Prune Layer Torte, known as Vineterta, is a delightful and rich dessert that features layers of tender cake interspersed with a luscious prune filling. Perfect for special occasions and family gatherings, this torte can be made ahead of time and actually improves with age when stored in the fridge. The combination of sweet prunes, aromatic spices, and buttery cake creates a truly unique flavor profile that will impress your guests. Serve it cold for the best experience, and watch as it becomes a favorite at your dessert table.
N/A
Servings
108
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
pitted prunes
20-24 ounces (soaked in boiling water, then pureed)
sugar
1 cup (for the prune filling)
cinnamon
2 teaspoons (for the prune filling)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (for the prune filling)
butter
1 cup (softened, for cake layers)
sugar
1.5 cups (for cake layers)
eggs
2 (beaten)
almond extract
1 teaspoon (for cake layers)
light cream
2 tablespoons (for cake layers)
flour
4 cups (for cake layers)
salt
1 pinch (for cake layers)
baking powder
1 teaspoon (for cake layers)
ground almonds
1/2 cup (optional, for cake layers)
cardamom
1 teaspoon (optional, for cake layers)
butter
3 tablespoons (softened, for icing)
powdered sugar
3/4 cup (for icing)
light cream
2 teaspoons (for icing)
ground almonds
1/4 cup (optional, for icing)
sliced almonds
1/4 cup (for decoration)
almond extract
1/8 teaspoon (for icing)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the prune filling: In a saucepan, cover 20-24 ounces of pitted prunes with boiling water. Allow them to soften, then drain the water, reserving it for later use.
2
Puree the softened prunes in a food processor. Return the puree to the saucepan, adding 1/2 cup of the reserved prune water. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat.
3
Stir in 1 cup of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, then boil to reduce excess water until the mixture has a jam-like texture. If it becomes too thick, add more reserved prune water as needed.
4
Once reached the desired consistency, remove from heat and mix in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.
5
Next, prepare the cake layers: In a mixer, cream together 1 cup of butter and 1.5 cups of sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon of almond extract, and 2 tablespoons of light cream until combined.
6
In a separate bowl, whisk together 4 cups of flour, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 cup of ground almonds (if using), and 1 teaspoon of cardamom (if using).
7
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture in the mixer, combining well until a soft dough forms.
8
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured countertop and knead gently about 10 times. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
9
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare six ungreased 9-inch round cake pans. Spread the chilled dough evenly across the bottom of each pan, using your palms.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
11
Once the layers are completely cooled, begin assembling the torte: Start with one cake layer on the bottom, spreading 1/5 of the prune filling evenly over it. Add another cake layer on top, repeating the process until all layers and filling are used.
12
For the icing, beat together 3 tablespoons of softened butter, 3/4 cup of powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of light cream, 1/4 cup of ground almonds (optional), and 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract until smooth.
13
Spread the icing over the top layer of the torte and garnish with sliced almonds if desired.
14
Refrigerate the assembled torte to allow it to set. For the best flavor, let it sit for at least two weeks before serving.
15
To serve, slice the torte into small rectangular pieces (approximately 2 inches by 1 inch) and enjoy chilled.
Nutrition Information
6g
Fat
13g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Prune Layer Torte?
Decadent Prune Layer Torte, also known as Vineterta, is a rich dessert featuring tender cake layers interspersed with a luscious prune filling, often served during holidays and special occasions.
How many layers does this torte have?
This recipe requires you to bake and assemble six 9-inch round cake layers.
What are the main ingredients for the prune filling?
The filling is made from 20-24 ounces of pitted prunes, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and reserved prune soaking water.
How do you prepare the prunes for the filling?
Soak the pitted prunes in boiling water until softened, then drain (reserving the water) and puree them in a food processor.
What is the recommended oven temperature for the cake layers?
The cake layers should be baked in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How long should the cake layers bake?
Bake the layers for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Should the cake pans be greased?
No, the instructions specify using six ungreased 9-inch round cake pans.
How long should the dough be chilled before baking?
The dough should be chilled in the refrigerator for 20 minutes before being spread into the pans.
What kind of extract is used in the cake layers?
The cake layers are flavored with 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
What spices are included in the dough?
The dry mixture for the dough can include 1 teaspoon of cardamom for extra flavor.
How is the icing prepared?
The icing is made by beating together softened butter, powdered sugar, light cream, almond extract, and optional ground almonds until smooth.
How should the torte be stored before serving?
The torte should be refrigerated to set. For the best flavor, it is recommended to let it sit for at least two weeks before serving.
What is the serving size for this torte?
The torte is traditionally sliced into small rectangular pieces measuring approximately 2 inches by 1 inch.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving of the Decadent Prune Layer Torte contains approximately 108 calories.
Does this recipe contain nuts?
Yes, it uses ground almonds in the cake and icing, and sliced almonds for decoration.
What should the consistency of the prune filling be?
The prune mixture should be boiled until it reaches a jam-like texture; if it is too thick, add more reserved prune water.
How many eggs are required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 eggs to be beaten into the butter and sugar mixture.
Can I use ground almonds in the cake dough?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/2 cup of ground almonds to the dry ingredients for the cake layers.
What are the nutritional values for fat and carbohydrates?
One serving contains 6g of fat and 13g of carbohydrates.
How much butter is needed for the entire recipe?
You will need 1 cup of butter for the cake layers and 3 tablespoons of butter for the icing.
Is vanilla extract used in the cake dough?
No, vanilla extract is used in the prune filling, while almond extract is used in the cake dough.
What is the best way to spread the dough into the pans?
Because the dough is soft, use your palms to spread it evenly across the bottom of each 9-inch pan.
How much flour is required?
The recipe requires 4 cups of flour for the cake layers.
Can the torte be made ahead of time?
Yes, this torte is specifically designed to be made ahead and actually improves with age when stored in the fridge.
How is the prune water used?
Reserved prune water is used to help achieve the correct jam-like consistency for the filling when boiling the puree.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 1 gram of protein.
What kind of cream is used in the recipe?
Light cream is used in both the cake layers (2 tablespoons) and the icing (2 teaspoons).
How many times should the dough be kneaded?
The dough should be kneaded gently about 10 times on a lightly floured countertop.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include dessert, torte, prune, layer cake, holiday, sweet, rich, spicy, and make ahead.
What is the decoration for the top of the torte?
The top layer is iced and then garnished with 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.