Shelly's Recipe

DARK MOCHA TORTE

Category: Tortes

Torte
1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup rum or water
1 1/4 tsp instant espresso coffee granules

Filling
2 (8 oz) PKG cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2 to 3 tsp milk

Ganache
1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
6 tbsp butter (do not use margarine)
1/3 cup whipping cream

Heat oven to 350. Grease bottoms only of two 8- or 9-inch round cake pans with shortening (do not use cooking spray); lightly flour. Make and cool cakes as directed on box for 8- or 9-inch round pans.

Meanwhile, in 1-quart saucepan, stir granulated sugar, rum and coffee granules until coffee is dissolved. Heat to boiling, stirring occasionally; remove from heat. Cool completely.

In medium bowl, beat all filling ingredients on low speed just until blended, adding enough milk for spreading consistency; set aside.

In 1-quart saucepan, heat all ganache ingredients over low heat, stirring frequently, until chips are melted and mixture is smooth. Refrigerate about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Cut each cake layer horizontally to make 2 layers. (To cut, mark side of cake with toothpicks and cut with long, thin knife.) Brush about 1 tablespoon of the rum mixture over cut side of each layer; let stand 1 minute to soak into cake. Fill each layer with about 2/3 cup filling. Spread ganache over side and top of torte. Store loosely covered in refrigerator.