Recipe: Pumpkin Torte with Pumpkin Filling and Chocolate Glaze

Pumpkin Torte
Origin: Hershey Kitchens, Hershey Foods Corporation
Makes 8 to 10 servings

4 eggs, separated
3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pumpkin Filling(recipe follows)
Chocolate Glaze (recipe follows)
slivered almonds (optional)

Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a 15 1/2 by 10 1/2 by 1-inch jelly roll pan with foil; generously grease foil.

In large mixer bowl, beat egg yolks on medium speed of electric mixer 3 minutes; gradually add 1/2 cup sugar, beating 2 additional minutes.

Stir together flour, cocoa, 1/4 cup sugar, baking soda and salt; add to egg yolk mixture alternately with water, beating on low speed just until batter is smooth. Stir in vanilla; set aside.

In small mixer bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form; gradually add remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, beating until stiff peaks form. Gradually fold beaten egg whites into chocolate mixture until well blended. Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.

Bake 14 to 16 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly. Immediately loosen cake from edges of pan; invert onto clean, slightly dampened towel. Carefully peel off foil. Cool completely.

Meanwhile, prepare pumpkin filling.

Cut cake crosswise into four equal pieces. Place one piece on serving plate; spread about 3/4 cup pumpkin filling over top. Repeat layering with remaining cake and filling, ending with cake layer.

Spread chocolate glaze over top; garnish with almonds, if desired.

Refrigerate until serving time. Refrigerate leftovers.

Pumpkin Filling:
1 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/3 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons shortening
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
1-3/4 cups powdered sugar

In small saucepan, combine pumpkin and flour; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils (mixture will be very thick). Remove from heat; set aside. Cool completely.

In small mixer bowl, beat butter and shortening until creamy; add spices. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Slowly blend in pumpkin mixture.

Refrigerate until mixture ready to use. Makes about 2 1/4 cups filling.

Chocolate Glaze:
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon water
2/3 cup powdered sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

In small saucepan over low heat, melt butter; add cocoa and water. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens. Do not boil. Remove from heat; gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla, beating with whisk until smooth. Add additional water, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until of desired consistency. Makes about 1/2 cup glaze.