Although tortes are cakes, not every cake is classified as a torte. The main differences are found between their ingredients and texture.
Table of Contents
What is a Torte?
The word “torte” comes from Germany and it describes a sweet cake or tart that is usually rich and has multiple layers. It is typically filled with whipped cream, buttercreams, mousses, jams, or fruits and finished off with a glaze or garnish.
Key Differences Between Torte and Cake
Cakes are sweet dishes that combine several ingredients and are then baked and usually decorated. They are popularly eaten on special occasions.
Tortes are a type of cake that use higher quality ingredients which is why they are more expensive. Their name derives from the German word for cake.
Ingredients
Cake is usually made with sugar, eggs, butter and flour. On the other hand, tortes hardly require any flour and instead use ground nuts or breadcrumbs. This makes the torte much heavier in texture and taste.
Size
Cakes use flour which is what makes them rise when baking. This also gives them some height, standing usually around 4 inches tall and multi-layer cakes are especially tall. However, tortes are rather short, averaging about 2-4 inches in height, even with layers.
Texture
The ingredients used in tortes are what makes them heavier than cakes because the replacements for flour are heavier in consistency. In contrast, cakes are fluffier and lighter.
Baking Temperature and Time
Despite their size difference, cakes and tortes require similar baking times and baking temperatures. It just depends on the size of the pan and the amount of layers.
The Fillings
Tortes use cream, buttercream, mousse, jam, or fruits while cakes are separated by jam, buttercream and sometimes icing.
The Look
Cakes can be baked and decorated in essentially any shape, color, and size. Specialty cakes are usually described as cute, while tortes are more elegant and elaborate. Tortes are usually topped with frosting, glaze, creams and nuts and the inside is often soaked in syrup or liqueur to make it moister.
Summary
Many people enjoy cakes and tortes without noticing any difference. Both are tasty and sweet desserts whose differences can vary depending on your interpretation of them.
Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 5 large eggs
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- powdered sugar for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease the bottom and the sides of a 9″ springform pan.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt chocolate chips and butter.
- Whisk in cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 10 minutes.
- Beat the eggs with sugar and salt for about 6 minutes or until the mixture is very thick.
- Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for about 1 hour.
- Invert the torte onto a plate or cake stand. Garnish with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!
jovin says
looks pretty jumping
ASO says
Hi Jovin, Thanks!