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Home » Recipes » Baking Recipes

Authentic Italian Chocolate Torte

Published: Nov 11, 2021 · Modified: Mar 9, 2025 by Chef Dennis Littley

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If you’re a chocolate lover my Italian Chocolate Torte is a delicious way to satisfy that craving. Packed with dried fruit and nuts, topped with a rich chocolate ganache it’s a chocolate lover’s dream that is perfect for the holidays or your next special occasion.

slice of chocolate torte on a spatula being taken out of the whole cake
Table of Contents:
  • Audio Player
  • What ingredients do I need to make an Italian Chocolate Torte?
  • Do I have to use dried fruit or nuts in this cake?
  • How do I make an Italian Chocolate Torte?
  • How do I make the Chocolate Topping?
  • More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Italian Chocolate Torte (Torta Ricca con Frutta Secca e Disidratata)

Audio Player



 

When it comes to anything food-related Italians have created some of my all-time favorite desserts. And this Chocolate Torte (aka Torta Ricca con Frutta Secca e Disidratata) has been a favorite since I first discovered it on a trip to Florence twenty-some years ago.

overhead partial view of the whole chocolate torte with a slice being taken out on a spatula

The ganache topping adds another layer of chocolaty deliciousness that takes this decadent dessert to another level. Top it with fresh whip cream

What ingredients do I need to make an Italian Chocolate Torte?

ingredients to make recipe

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make my Italian Chocolate Torte. In Chef Speak this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Do I have to use dried fruit or nuts in this cake?

No, you don’t. You could add additional nuts, or your favorite chocolate chips or other chips instead.

You may be surprised at how much you enjoy the added layer of flavor the fruit adds to the cake, it’s definitely worth trying the recipe as is.

If you have nut allergies you can also replace the nuts with your favorite baking chips or additional dried fruit.

How do I make an Italian Chocolate Torte?

two images, one of the nuts on a sheet pan and the other of the nuts roasted on a cutting board

Start by spreading the mixed nuts on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven. Roast the nuts for about 10 minutes turning them once halfway through the process.

*After allowing them to cool, chop them into smaller pieces.

collage showing the first steps in making recipe
  • Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place the pieces in a bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate until it has completely melted, then set aside until needed.
  • Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) whip the softened butter with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes on medium to high speed using the whisk attachment of your mixer.
collage showing the next steps in making recipe
  • Add the mascarpone, and Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix just enough to combine.
  • Add the melted chocolate, flour, egg yolks, and cocoa to the mixture. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
  • Add the cranberries, roasted nuts, pineapple, candied ginger and rum to the mixture. Fold these ingredients in until combined.
collage showing the last steps in making recipe
  • In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the salt, until soft peaks are formed.
  • Carefully fold the whipped egg whites to the chocolate mixture.
two images, one of the uncooked chocolate batter in the pan and the baked chocolate torte in the pan
  • Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan, using a spatula to level the surface.
  • Place the pan on a cookie sheet and place on the middle rack in a preheated 350-degree oven. Bake for 30-40 minutes.
finished chocolate torte in the pan on a wire rack cooling

Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack while you make the topping.

How do I make the Chocolate Topping?

collage showing how to make the chocolate topping

Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to a bowl over simmering water, with the butter and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.

whole chocolate torte with chocolate topping on a white platter

Let the topping cool for about 10 minutes then using an offset spatula spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the torte, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake.

*Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set up before slicing.

slice of Italian chocolate torte on a stack of white plates

Who’s ready to join me in a slice of deliciousness? I promise your friend and family are going to love my Italian Chocolate Torte!

And if you’re a serious chocolate lover, you’re going to love my Flourless Chocolate Cake.

More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!

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    Best Chocolate Mousse Cake
  • slice of chocolate olive oil cake on a white plate
    Chocolate Olive Oil Cake Recipe
  • stack of three Triple Chocolate Pecan Brownies separated with white parchment paper on a white plate
    Best Cocoa Brownies
  • slice of no bake chocolate cheesecake on a white plate with another slice and the whole cheesecake behind it
    No-Bake Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

slice of Italian chocolate torte on a stack of white plates

Italian Chocolate Torte (Torta Ricca con Frutta Secca e Disidratata)

Chef Dennis Littley
If you’re a chocolate lover my Italian Chocolate Torte is a delicious way to satisfy that craving. Packed with dried fruit and nuts, topped with a rich chocolate ganache it’s a chocolate lover’s dream that is perfect for the holidays or your next special occasion.
5 from 22 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Listen to the Post
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12
Calories 644 kcal

Equipment

  • springform pan

Ingredients
 
 

Chocolate Torte

  • 1 ½ cups mixed nuts I used pecans, cashews, pistachio’s
  • 8.75 oz bittersweet chocolate 65% cocoa or better. – chopped
  • 10 ½ tablespoon unsalted butter softened
  • ½ cup + 2 tablespoon light brown sugar packed
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup mascarpone
  • ¾ cup + 1 tablespoon whole wheat flour
  • 3 large eggs separated
  • 2 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa
  • 2 tablespoon rum optional
  • ¾ cup dried cranberries (craisins)
  • ½ cup dried pineapple cut in small pieces
  • ½ cup candied ginger cut it small pieces
  • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate Topping

  • 8 oz semi sweet chocolate chopped
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoon heavy cream

Instructions
 

Chocolate Torte

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place the rack in the middle of the oven.
  • Coat the inside of a 9-inch springform pan liberally with butter. and set aside until needed.
    *a smaller springform pan can be used to make a taller cake, but it will require a longer baking time.
  • Start by spreading the mixed nuts on a sheet pan in a 350-degree oven. Roast the nuts for about 10 minutes turning them once halfway through the process. Don't let the nuts burn!
    After allowing them to cool, chop them into smaller pieces.
  • Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place the pieces in a bowl over simmering water. Stir the chocolate until it has completely melted, then set aside until needed.
  • Using a stand mixer (or hand mixer) whip the softened butter with the brown sugar for about 10 minutes on medium to high speed using the whisk attachment of your mixer.
  • Next, add the mascarpone, and Greek yogurt to the mixture and mix just enough to combine.
  • Add the melted chocolate, flour, egg yolks, and cocoa to the mixture. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients.
  • Then add the cranberries, roasted nuts, pineapple and candied ginger to the mixture. Fold these ingredients in until combined.
  • In a clean mixing bowl, whip the egg whites with the salt, until soft peaks are formed.
  • Carefully fold the whipped egg whites to the chocolate mixture.
  • Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan and place on a cookie sheet in the oven. Bake for 30-40 mintes.
    *If you're using a 9-inch springform pan, start checking your cake, after 30 minutes of baking. If you use a smaller springform pan the cooking time will increase by about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the cake from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack while you make the glaze.

Chocolate Topping

  • Chop the chocolate into small pieces and add it to a bowl over simmering water, with the butter and heavy cream. Stir until the mixture is well blended and smooth.
  • Let the topping cool for about 10 minutes then using an offset spatula spread the chocolate evenly over the top of the torte, allowing it to drip down the sides of the cake.
    *Refrigerate the cake for 30 minutes to let the chocolate set up before slicing
  • Serve with fresh whipped cream and berries, or just by itself. This cake will go wonderfully with coffee, milk or a glass of red wine!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 9gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 59mgPotassium: 417mgFiber: 6gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 634IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 77mgIron: 4mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 22 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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    Recipe Rating




  1. thecompletecookbook says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:57 am

    Chef, what a fabulous cake. It certainly doesn't look dry. I love a decadent chocolate cake.
    🙂 Mandy

    Reply
  2. Indonesian In Turkey says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:24 am

    Wow, it absolutely seems scrumptious! and great picture as well with beautiful rose, really festive the spring ^,^

    Reply
  3. Julia @ DimpleArts says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:23 am

    The torte looks so decadent. Beautiful!

    Reply
  4. Hester aka The Chef Doc says

    May 16, 2011 at 5:16 am

    Ooh, I'm not a fan of candied ginger, either. But, I do agree that the torte looks pretty great 🙂 I can't believe all the ingredients in it.

    Reply
  5. Cakewhiz says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:34 am

    Nuts in cakes always taste fabulous! And all that glaze… I wish i could have a slice right away. I am printing this recipe as i type this comment…..lol

    Reply
  6. My Little Space says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:33 am

    The texture of this cake looks absolutely superb. Hope everything went well with you. Wishing the very best, Chef. Be cool & Have a wonderful day.
    Blessings, Kristy

    Reply
  7. warmvanillasugar says

    May 16, 2011 at 4:17 am

    This torte looks so lovely. I really like the idea! Yum.

    Reply
  8. Kate@Diethood says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:48 am

    I can't believe all the yummy goodness that you put into this cake…mascarpone, cranberries, pineapple…wow! This might be another cake of yours that I will have to try. It's beautiful!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer-Adventuresome Kitchen says

    May 16, 2011 at 3:41 am

    "always look on the bright side of life"(Insert whistling…) Life of Brian is probably my most favorite Monty Python. Is that a blaze rose sitting so prettily next to your lovely cake? Perhaps spring has decided to stick around. I say that sitting here still wearing a down jacket! I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who can't leave a recipe alone. I do think your cake looks lovely and would love to make a gf version sometime! Enjoy your time off- may you be rejuvinated!

    Reply
  10. kitchenarian says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:49 am

    I vote for red wine and more chocolate glaze! This looks delicious. I love the mascarpone cheese and cranberries in it. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
  11. Tiffany says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:35 am

    Marscapone, rum, cranberries, and ginger?!? This cake is for me (I LOVE ginger!!!). And I think your outlook on your life's work is admirable! Not everyone is passionate about what they do and not everyone is constantly striving for ways to do what they love even better. Happy Sunday! 😀

    Reply
  12. Belinda @zomppa says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:31 am

    There's always tomorrow – and another slice of this gorgeous cake!

    Reply
  13. Alina---Explora Cuisine says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:28 am

    It looks delicious to me! I'm not a big fan of ginger neither so it works for me 🙂

    Reply
  14. Amy says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:27 am

    Dennis, this cake looks amazing, and sounds delicious! Even if it didn't turn out exactly how you expected, I am sure I would have loved it :)! Hope your weekend has been enjoyable!

    Amy

    Reply
  15. BecHef says

    May 16, 2011 at 2:22 am

    I think it looks great, even without the candied ginger… and in my opinion, one can NEVER have enough glaze on the top of their cake! 🙂

    Reply
Newer Comments »


My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

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