Brownie Mocha Torte

May 11: National Mocha Torte Day

Now that we do not live in the same Texas city anymore as Islander’s brother Kahuna, we try to visit whenever we can and stay over at each other’s homes—except he lives in a religious community of priests and brothers, whereas our house is just the Highlander and Islander Inn. Fortunately there are guest rooms at their house and we are always welcome to stay there and join them for prayers and meals. So what is the compensation for our free room and board? Merely show up with something sweet, such as brownie mocha torte, and we are greeted at the door with big smiles from everyone! Kahuna’s community loves chocolate and this delicious dessert pays fits the bill with its nutty crunch and fudgy layers sandwiched between a coffee-and-cream flavored filling. We confess that this brownie mocha torte is both sinfully rich but heavenly tasting (but we can do some penance at the in-house chapel and campus gym across the street later).

Brownie mocha torte is a nice dessert to share with family and friends and perfect for observing National Mocha Torte Day.

Recipe

(Adapted from Taste of Home)

Ingredients

  • 2 family size (13 x 9 inch) package chocolate brownie mix
  • ¼ cup water
  • 2 eggs
  • 6 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • ½ cup chopped nuts (we used macadamias), toasted and chopped
  • 2 teaspoons instant coffee (we used Kona coffee granules)
  • ½ cup brown sugar (we used C&H brand)
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • chocolate curls or chips (optional garnish)

Directions

Toast the nuts and cool them. Set aside. In a large bowl, stir the water in the brownie mix. Blend well.

Beat in the eggs and oil. Add the chopped, cooled nuts. Divide the brownie batter into two greased 8-inch round pans. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Horizontally slice the brownies in half to make four layers. Place the bottom layer on a cake plate, board or platter. Set aside the three other layers.

In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee granules with brown sugar. In a large mixing bowl, beat the whipping cream until stiff peaks form. Stir in the vanilla. Fold in the coffee-sugar mixture. Beat again until stiff.

Spread a quarter of the filling mixture on the bottom layer of the brownie. Place a brownie layer on top. Spread another quarter of the filling mixture onto this layer. Place another brownie layer on top. Repeat with the last layer. Frost the top layer with the remaining filling (or decorate with swirls using a star tip). Sprinkle the top with chocolate curls or chips. Cover and refrigerate to set. Before serving, remove from the refrigerator and let thaw for about 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

Notes

  • There are different definitions of torte. As a noun, a torte is a rich European-style cake made with many eggs and little flour and usually containing chopped nuts (this recipe contains just two eggs, some flour mixed with chocolate/cocoa powder and chopped nuts). As an adjective, a torte is a multi-layered cake (this recipe has four layers).
  • Search our blog for more chocolate recipes under the Theme Menus option.