Almond Torta Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Cut a piece of wax or parchment paper to fit the bottom of an 8-inch round cake pan. Coat pan with nonstick spray, place prepared paper round in bottom of pan, and spray paper. Sprinkle evenly with 1/4 cup almonds.
• In a food processor, process remaining 1 1/2 cups almonds with 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar until finely ground; set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 2 tablespoons of confectioners' sugar and beat until stiff glossy peaks form. Beat in almond extract. In three additions, gently fold in ground almond mixture.
• Evenly spread batter into prepared pan, tapping pan on counter to expel large air bubbles. Bake until golden brown and firm in center, 40 to 45 minutes; cool completely in pan. Invert onto serving plate, and remove wax or parchment paper.

Steps:

• Beat the butter, egg yolks, and sugar until light and fluffy.
• Stir in the ground almonds, cream, and optional rum.
• Dip the ladyfingers in the milk and cover the bottom of a 9-inch (23 cm) springform pan with them.
• (Note: Wrap the outside of the springform pan with aluminum foil and secure with a piece of string to prevent leakage.) Spread 1/3 of the almond mixture over the ladyfingers.
• Repeat with alternating layers of ladyfingers and almond mixture, ending with a layer of ladyfingers.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, place a heavy plate or cutting board on top, and refrigerate overnight.
• To serve, run a thin knife blade around the inside of the pan before releasing the spring.
• Press toasted slivered almonds around the side of the torte and top with powdered sugar or whipped cream.