The word “torte” is often used to refer to a cake generally, but in fact, it is a particular kind of cake of German origin. Learn more about this delicious, traditional baked good in the guide below. 

All About Tortes

The Origin

The word torte is originally from the Latin word torta, which meant a flat cake or round loaf of bread. The German, French, and Italian all use the phrase torte to mean a particular type of cake made with ground nuts or breadcrumbs in place of all or some of regular flour. Tortes can be many-layered or consist of a single, creamy, dense layer.  

Typical Ingredients & Necessary Equipment

Like their cake cousins, torte recipes will use eggs (sometimes added as whipped egg whites separate from yolks, sugar, fat (usually butter), and a combination of flour and ground nuts. Additional ingredients could include chocolate, fruit, and spices like cinnamon. You will need an eight or 9-inch springform pan and a stand or handheld mixer to make the cake.

Glazes & Decorations

Layered tortes can be made with buttercream, apricot, raspberry, or other fruit preserves, or custard sandwiched between layers. The layers themselves are usually quite thin, allowing for an elegant striped effect when the cake is cut. Icing may be chocolate ganache, buttercream, or merely unsweetened whipped cream. Tortes may be soaked with a liqueur, such as kirsch, before being iced or glazed. Nuts and fruit are more traditional finishing toppings.

Basic Technique

Most all kinds of cake are made in steps to allow the ingredients to combine correctly and give the batter the best opportunity to rise when baked. Typically the baker will combine sugar and soft butter until fluffy in one bowl, then add separated egg yolks one at a time. Dry ingredients are blended in another bowl and then added to the wet ingredients. Egg whites are whipped until the soft peak stage and then folded carefully into the batter. The entire mixture is poured gently into a greased and lined springform pan or pans, and baked for 30-40 minutes at a moderate oven temperature. The cake is allowed to cool completely before being sliced to make layers and iced. 

Famous Tortes

The German Sachertorte is one of the most renowned torte examples, using bittersweet chocolate in the batter and glaze, and apricot preserves as the filling between layers. Other well-known tortes include the German Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, Hungarian Dobos Torte, the Russian or French Napoleon torte, or the French Gateau St. Honore.

For delicious tortes, cakes, and other European desserts in Cincinnati, choose The BonBonerie. This award-winning bakery has been crafting stunning gourmet baked goods and desserts for over 30 years. Choose from their wide variety of fresh, made-daily treats or make a custom order for a special occasion. Call (513) 321-3399 to discuss a particular request or visit the website to see an irresistible gallery of favorite bakes.