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I want to thank Debbie and Stephanie for tracking down this recipe by way of numerous requests to the Epicurious web site.
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I'm sharing with you for
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Caramel: In heavy medium saucepan, combine sugar and water ; stir over low heat till sugar dissolves.
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Increase heat, and bring to boil.
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Cook without stirring till caramel is deep amber color, brushing down any crystals which form on sides of pan with wet pastry brush and swirling occasionally, about 10 mins.
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Remove from heat; carefully add in cream.
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(Mix will bubble vigorously.)
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Return to low heat, and whisk till smooth.
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Add in butter and salt, and whisk till smooth.
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Cold to room temperature.
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(Can be made 3 days ahead.
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Cover, and chill.
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Before using, hot over low heat till just pourable.)
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For Cake: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter three 9-inch diameter cake pans with 1-1/2 inch high sides.
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Line bottoms of pans with parchment or possibly waxed paper; butter paper.
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In heavy large saucepan, combine chocolate and butter.
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Stir over low heat till melted.
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Cold.
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Whisk in Large eggs and sugar.
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Stir in flour, vanilla, and salt.
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Divide batter among prepared pans, and spread proportionately.
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Sprinkle 3/4 c. pecans atop each.
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Bake cakes till set and tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs still attached, about 15 mins.
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Cold in pans on rack.
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Turn out layers, and remove waxed paper.
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(Can be prepared 1 day ahead.
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Store airtight.)
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Topping: Beat whipping cream and liqueur to stiff peaks.
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Place 1 cake layer pecan side up on platter.
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Drizzle 1/4 c. caramel over.
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Cover with layer of bananas.
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Spread 1 c. whipped cream over bananas.
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Drizzle 3 Tbsp.
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caramel over cream.
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Top with second cake layer.
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Repeat layering with 1/4 c. caramel, bananas, 1 c. whipped cream, and 3 Tbsp.
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caramel.
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Top with remaining cake layer.
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Drizzle 1/4 c. caramel over cake.
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Transfer remaining whipped cream to pastry bag fitted with large star tip.
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Pipe rosettes of cream around top edge of torte.
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Garnish with bananas.
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Sprinkle with pecans.
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(Can be made 4 hrs ahead.
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Chill.)
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Rewarm remaining caramel.
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Serve torte with caramel.