Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte

Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte Recipe from Italy | Vegetarian Dessert

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 8 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte. This elegant dessert combines the creamy goodness of mascarpone cheese with the intense richness of bittersweet chocolate, creating a truly unforgettable treat.

History

The Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte is a modern twist on the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. Mascarpone cheese, a key ingredient in both desserts, adds a luscious creaminess that perfectly complements the deep chocolate flavor of this torte.

Ingredients

2 large eggs, at room temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
0.33 cup sugar
0.75 cup all-purpose flour
0.25 tsp salt
4 oz (113 g) mascarpone cheese, at room temperature (0.5 cup)
5 tbsp unsalted butter or margarine
8 oz (227 g) bittersweet chocolate, broken into chunks

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch round tart pan with a removable bottom and set it aside.
In a small, heavy saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring often. Remove from heat.
In a medium bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and vanilla on medium speed for 30 seconds. Gradually add the sugar and beat for 1 minute. Beat in the melted chocolate mixture, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Reduce the mixer speed to low and beat in the flour and salt until just blended. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Place the cheese in a small bowl and stir well with a fork. Drop teaspoonfuls of the cheese randomly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Using a sharp knife, swirl the cheese mixture into the chocolate mixture to create a marbled effect.
Bake until the center is just set, about 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Remove the side of the pan, cut into wedges, and serve.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or coffee liqueur to the batter for a boozy twist.
Top the torte with fresh berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor.

- Room temperature eggs and cheese will blend more easily into the batter.

- Swirling the mascarpone cheese into the batter creates a beautiful marbled effect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an extra touch of elegance.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to swirl the mascarpone cheese into the batter gently to create a beautiful marbled effect.

- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the torte - it should come out clean when done.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute cream cheese for mascarpone if needed.

- Use semisweet or dark chocolate in place of bittersweet for a slightly sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

This torte can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Presentation Ideas

Serve slices of this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte on elegant dessert plates with a dusting of powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this rich dessert with a glass of dessert wine, such as a late-harvest Riesling or a tawny port, for a truly indulgent experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of this torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Indulge in the rich flavors of this torte, which contains approximately 18 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Enjoy a touch of protein with each serving of this dessert, which contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

While this dessert is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it does provide a small amount of calcium from the mascarpone cheese.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs, dairy (cheese), and gluten (flour), making it unsuitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Indulge in moderation, as this dessert is rich in carbohydrates and fats. Enjoy as an occasional treat.

Summary

Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte, a modern twist on the classic Italian dessert. With its creamy mascarpone cheese and intense bittersweet chocolate, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy in moderation for a truly unforgettable treat.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Italy. Maria was known for her delicious homemade desserts, and I had been begging her to teach me one of her famous recipes.

I still remember the way the sun streamed through the windows of Maria's cozy kitchen as she pulled out a tattered old cookbook from her shelves. She flipped through the pages with practiced ease, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Ah, here it is," she said, pointing to a recipe for Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte. "This is one of my favorites. It's rich and decadent, and always a hit with guests."

I watched with rapt attention as Maria gathered the ingredients and began to explain the steps to me. She showed me how to melt the chocolate gently over a double boiler, how to whip the mascarpone cheese until it was light and fluffy, and how to fold the two together to create a smooth, velvety filling.

As we worked together in the kitchen, I listened intently to Maria's stories about where she had learned the recipe. She told me that it had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from a distant relative who had worked as a pastry chef in a grand hotel in Milan.

I was fascinated by the history and tradition behind the recipe, and I felt honored that Maria was sharing it with me. As we popped the torte into the oven to bake, the sweet scent of chocolate and mascarpone filled the air, and I knew that this dessert would hold a special place in my heart for years to come.

When the torte emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, Maria and I knew we had created something truly special. We let it cool for a few minutes before slicing into it, revealing layers of creamy mascarpone and rich, dark chocolate.

The first bite was pure bliss. The chocolate was silky and smooth, the mascarpone light and airy, and the flavors melded together in perfect harmony. I knew then that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen, a dessert to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones for years to come.

After that day, I made the Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte countless times, each time tweaking the recipe slightly to suit my own tastes. I added a splash of espresso to the chocolate for a deeper flavor, and a sprinkling of sea salt to the mascarpone for a hint of savory contrast.

I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its decadent deliciousness. It became a go-to dessert for special occasions, a showstopper that never failed to impress.

And every time I made the torte, I thought of Maria and that sunny day in her kitchen, where I had learned not just a recipe, but a piece of her family's history and tradition. The Chocolate-Mascarpone Torte had become more than just a dessert to me – it was a symbol of friendship, love, and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we hold dear.