Cherry-Coconut Chocolate Torte

This torte reminds me of two favorite treats: chocolate covered cherries and old-fashioned Cherry Mash candy bars.

Cherry-Coconut Chocolate Torte

Average Rating: 0

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 30 min. Bake: 20 min. + chilling
YIELD: 12 servings.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • CHERRY LAYER:
  • 4 jars (10 ounces each) maraschino cherries
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened
  • COCONUT LAYER:
  • 1 package (14 ounces) sweetened shredded coconut
  • 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
  • CHOCOLATE GANACHE:
  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts, toasted

Instructions

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, beat sugar, eggs and vanilla until blended. Beat in melted butter. In a small bowl, whisk flour, cocoa, salt and baking powder; gradually add to batter and mix well.
  • 2. Spread into a greased 9-in. springform pan. Bake 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
  • 3. Drain cherries, reserving 1/2 cup juice. Arrange cherries evenly around top edge of brownie; place remaining cherries over top. In a large bowl, beat confectioners' sugar, butter and reserved cherry juice until creamy. Spread evenly over cherries.
  • 4. In a large bowl, combine coconut and milk. Sprinkle over cherry layer, carefully smoothing down near edges and pressing gently to form an even layer.
  • 5. Place chocolate in a large bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream just to a boil. Pour over chocolate. Let stand 5 minutes; whisk until smooth. Pour over coconut layer. Refrigerate until set. Loosen sides of pan with a knife. Remove rim from pan. Sprinkle with walnuts.