This delicious keto torte is made with ground pecans and unsweetened cocoa powder and is a very light and moist cake. The chocolate pecan torte has a moist, fudgy consistency that melts in your mouth, with the delicious taste of pecans.
If you are looking for an easy dessert to make for a birthday, holidays or just any gathering, make this pecan torte. Your gluten-free friends will thank you too!
As delicious as this chocolate pecan torte is by itself, we serve it topped with a chocolate ganache and chopped pecan nuts for a tasty dessert. Enjoy a slice with a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat.
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What is a Torte?
A flourless torte is a rich, dense dessert typically made without any flour, making it a great option for those who are gluten-free or following low-carb diets. Flourless tortes are usually made with ingredients like eggs, sugar, butter, and chocolate. Some recipes may include ground nuts or nut flours, such as almond flour or ground pecans, which provide structure and flavor.
The absence of flour in a keto torte results in a dense, fudgy texture similar to that of a brownie or mousse. The torte often has a rich, decadent mouthfeel, making it a luxurious dessert choice. Try our flourless chocolate cake for another rich, fudge-like dessert.
Carbs in Pecans
Pecans are a great nut choice for a keto diet due to their low carbohydrate content. A 100g serving (about 3.5oz) has 4 g net carbs. They also provide healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to meals and snacks.
Ingredients
This is a simple keto dessert with just 5 ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Provides a rich, creamy texture and helps to create a moist torte.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and enhances the torte's richness without added sugars.
- Eggs: The egg yolks contribute moisture and richness, while the beaten egg whites help to lighten the torte's texture, making it airy and fluffy.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: A low-carb, natural sweetener that provides sweetness without the calories or carbs of sugar. Any other low carb sweetener can be substituted too.
- Toasted Pecans (1 cup, finely ground): Adds a nutty flavor and contributes to the torte's structure.
Prepare the Pecans
First, make sure you bake the pecans by spreading them on a baking sheet and bake at 175°C (350°F) for about 8-10 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This brings out the taste of the nuts and makes them so delicious! They need to be cooled before you grind them into a flour. I've tried making this pecan torte without toasting them but lightly toasted is the way to go for the flavor.
To grind the cooled toasted pecans, simply put them in a food processor and blitz until ground. Just be careful that you don't over do it otherwise you will be left with a nut butter.
How to Make Chocolate Pecan Torte
Melt the butter and cocoa powder.
Whisk egg yolks and add the sweetener.
Add the chocolate mixture and ground pecans.
Whisk the egg whites until stiff.
Fold the egg whites into the torte batter.
Pour into a prepared cake tin and bake.
Storage
Store the cooled keto torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. This helps maintain its freshness and flavor. Although we are yet to see the torte last 5 days!
Freezing the Torte
Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer it to the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Recipe Tips
You could double the mixture and bake two cakes, then sandwich them together with a chocolate cream. Slather the top with more topping, sprinkle some chopped pecans and voila! You have a show stopper!
Make sure no egg yolk gets into the egg whites when separating. Any fat from the yolk can prevent the whites from whipping up properly.
Allow the torte to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours (or overnight) before serving. This helps set the flavors and improves the texture.
Other Keto Pecan Recipes
Chocolate Pecan Torte
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Ingredients
- ½ cup Butter unsalted
- ⅓ cup Cocoa powder unsweetened
- 4 Eggs separated
- ¼ cup monk fruit sweetener or other low carb sweetener
- 1 cup Pecans toasted and finely ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 170C/325F degrees. Grease an 8-inch (20 cm) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the cocoa powder and unsalted butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg yolks until pale and thick. Add the monk fruit and whisk.
- Add the cocoa mixture and the ground pecans. Mix well.
- In another bowl whisk the egg whites to a stiff peak. Gently fold in the cocoa mixture.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then carefully remove it from the pan and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the torte is completely cooled, top it with the toasted pecans. Optionally, drizzle with sugar-free chocolate ganache or serve with whipped cream.
- Eat and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.
Jan
I’d like to make the Chocolate Ganache but I don’t see a recipe for it. I searched your site also. Do you have a specific recipe for that. Thanks much!
Angela Coleby
Hi! This recipe has a great ganache recipe with a few tips too. Enjoy the recipe!
Kim
Can you tell me how much Splenda to use in place of the erythritol? I find erythritol has a metallic or chemical taste.
Angela Coleby
I've not tried baking with Splenda so I would guess that the same quantity would work.
carol
Is it possible for you to give the net carbs for your recipes as I am fairly new (3 1/2) weeks to counting carbs and your recipes seem to be quite amazing for me. Biggest problem is we live in northern Thailand and a lot, most, of the special ingredients are not available here, also a certain company will not send here.
Angela Coleby
Hi Carol. My recent recipes have the net carbs and I'm still updating the older recipes. Let me know if there are any specific recipes that need updating and I'll get on it. Northern Thailand! Wow! How lovely. I hear you on the certain company too...I have the same problem here in Barbados!
Mari
Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
Divalicious
ooh, cannot see why not. Give it a whirl and let me know how it worked out!
Angie C
I think it should be okay...have a try and let me know how it goes.
Shianne
Can I use honey or a different sugar instead of erythritol?