Torta Tre Monti
A rich and decadent chocolate hazelnut cake, inspired by the Three Towers of San Marino. It features layers of wafer, chocolate cream, and hazelnut cream, often topped with chocolate ganache and almonds.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g Chocolate wafer cookies
- 200 g Dark chocolate(melted)
- 150 g Hazelnuts(toasted and finely chopped)
- 150 g Butter(softened)
- 150 g Powdered sugar
- 3 large Eggs(separated)
- 30 g Cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp Rum or coffee liqueur
- 100 ml Heavy cream(for ganache)
- 50 g Almonds(slivered, for decoration)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chocolate hazelnut cream: Cream together softened butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
- 2
Beat in egg yolks one at a time, then stir in melted dark chocolate, finely chopped hazelnuts, cocoa powder, and rum or coffee liqueur.
- 3
In a separate clean bowl, whisk egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate hazelnut mixture.
- 4
Assemble the cake: Dip the chocolate wafer cookies briefly in warm water or a light syrup (optional, for softer layers). Layer the cookies in a springform pan, spreading a generous layer of the chocolate hazelnut cream between each cookie layer. Aim for 3-4 layers of cookies and cream.
- 5
Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- 6
Prepare the ganache: Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- 7
Once the cake is firm, remove from the springform pan. Pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Decorate with slivered almonds.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for the cream.
- ✓Don't over-soak the wafer cookies, or they will become too soggy.
- ✓For a stronger hazelnut flavor, lightly toast the hazelnuts before chopping.
- ✓The cake can be made a day in advance; it often tastes better the next day.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a layer of raspberry jam for a fruity contrast.
- Use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a sweeter ganache.
- Incorporate a tablespoon of espresso powder into the chocolate cream for a mocha flavor.