Toffee Bar Brownie Torte

Total Time

Prep: 45 min. Bake: 25 min. + cooling

Makes

16 servings

Updated: Apr. 24, 2022
Heads will turn when you serve this showstopping cake. The mild espresso frosting nicely complements the bittersweet brownie layers.—Megan Byers, Wichita, Kansas
Toffee Bar Brownie Torte Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 2 cups butter, cubed
  • 16 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 8 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • FILLING AND FROSTING:
  • 1/4 cup instant espresso powder
  • 4 teaspoons boiling water
  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup confectioners' sugar, divided
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
  • 2 cartons (8 ounces each) mascarpone cheese
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 package (8 ounces) toffee bits

Directions

  1. Grease three 9-in. round baking pans and line with parchment; set aside. In a large saucepan, melt butter and chocolate over low heat, stirring often. Remove from the heat; cool.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, vanilla and chocolate mixture until smooth. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Pour into prepared pans.
  3. Bake at 350° until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, 24-28 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks to cool completely.
  4. In a small bowl, dissolve espresso powder in boiling water. In a large bowl, beat cream until soft peaks form. Add 1/3 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 2 tablespoons espresso liquid; beat until stiff peaks form. Reserve 1 cup for filling; refrigerate remaining mixture for frosting.
  5. In another large bowl, combine cheese, salt, and remaining confectioners' sugar, vanilla and espresso liquid; beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Fold in reserved whipped cream mixture.
  6. Place 1 brownie layer on a serving plate; spread with half the filling. Repeat layers. Top with third brownie layer; frost top and sides of torte with chilled whipped cream mixture. Sprinkle toffee bits over top and sides of torte. Store in the refrigerator.
To make ahead: Brownie layers can be made a day in advance. Store each layer in a resealable plastic bag at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

1 slice: 1101 calories, 85g fat (48g saturated fat), 303mg cholesterol, 417mg sodium, 84g carbohydrate (64g sugars, 3g fiber), 12g protein.