Toasted pecan torte with butterscotch pecan topping

This gorgeous toasted pecan torte with butterscotch pecan topping is a mash-up of pecan pie, sticky toffee pudding and a butterscotch sundae. What’s not to love?

I find it unbelievable that Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We didn’t have any solid plans this year but just confirmed that we will be spending it with my family. I’m thrilled to see my parents, brother, sister-in-law, nephew and brand new niece. Plus Addie loves playing with her (only) cousins. She’s a great big sister to them.

While I’m not quite sure what I will contribute to the feast yet, I did want to try this toasted pecan torte at home before deciding if I should bring this. My husband found the recipe in this month’s Bon Appetit magazine and was proud that he chose such a fancy dessert.

Although I am not a fan of nuts, I did appreciate and enjoy the toasted pecan aroma wafting from my kitchen. It made the house smell homey and just like fall. This torte includes the toasted nuts in both the torte itself and in the butterscotch topping.

And you know what? I liked this torte a lot. While I didn’t eat any of the pecans on top, the rest of the cake was fantastic. It really was like a cross between a pecan pie, sticky toffee pudding and a butterscotch sundae. What my husband liked about this was the texture and nuttiness of the torte. He also said it wasn’t too sweet.

I hope you enjoy this!

Print Recipe

Toasted pecan torte with butterscotch pecan topping

If you love pecan pie or sticky toffee pudding, then this toasted pecan torte with butterscotch pecan topping is just for you!

Prep Time20 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Total Time1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 12

Author: Eva Bakes

Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 5 cups pecan halves
• 2 and 1/4 teaspoons baking power
• 1 and 3/4 teaspoons salt divided
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 Tablespoon orange zest
• 1 large egg room temperature
• 1 large egg yolk room temperature
• 4 Tablespoons rum divided
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar packed
• 1 and 1/2 cups heavy cream chilled

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease and flour a 9" or 10" springform pan and set aside.
• Place the pecans in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and cool.
• In a food processor, pulse together the flour, 3 cups of the toasted pecans, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 3/4 cup (1 and 1/2 sticks) of the butter, sugar, and orange zest on medium speed for about 4-5 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg and egg yolk and continue to mix for another minute. Add in 3 Tablespoons of the rum. Stop the mixer and add in the dry ingredients. Mix on low until everything just comes together.
• Transfer the batter to your prepared springform pan, making sure to smooth the top. Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The torte should be golden brown. Allow the torte to cool.
• Meanwhile, make the butterscotch topping. In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix the brown sugar, 1/2 cup of the cream, the remaining 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter, and remaining 1 Tablespoon of rum to a boil. Stir often and continue heating until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Then fold in the remaining 2 cups of toasted pecans and stir until the mixture has cooled down but is still spreadable.
• Top the torte with the butterscotch pecan mixture. Make whipped cream with the remaining cream by whipping the 1 cup of heavy cream in a large bowl (using either a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment). Top with whipped cream if desired.
• The torte can be baked 1 day ahead. Store tightly wrapped at room temperature. The butterscotch (without the pecans) can be made up to 3 days ahead. Gently reheat it over low heat until pourable, then add pecans.
• Leftovers should be covered and stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator and will keep for several days.

Notes

Source: Bon Appetit, November 2018 issue