Chocolate Plum Walnut Torte

This is a delicious, dense dark chocolate torte with a crunchy walnut top that uses dried plums to add moisture and reduce the fat content.

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup (4 ounces) plums, dried
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder, unsweetened
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, large
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup California walnuts, chopped, divided
• 3/4 cup California walnut halves

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Lightly coat an 8 inch round spring-form pan with cooking spray. Place a glass baking dish (any size) half-filled with water on the lower rack of your oven.
2. In a small bowl, combine plums, chocolate and water. Let stand 5 minutes until plums soften and chocolate melts. Stir.
3. In a food processor, combine plum mixture, flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar and salt. Whirl until nearly smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, use a hand whisk or mixer to beat eggs and granulated sugar until thick and foamy.
5. Stir in half the plum mixture. With a spatula, gently fold in remaining plum mixture and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. Do not over mix. Pour into prepared pan.
6. Arrange walnut halves evenly around edge. Sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup chopped walnuts in center. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until the center feels set when gently touched.
7. Cool completely before slicing.
8. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Attribution

Recipe and photo used with permission from: California Walnuts