18 torta recipes

Torta: a rich, golden anise-scented yeast cake made with egg yolks and butter, brushed with melted butter and topped with grated cheese and sugar. An Old-World Mediterranean sweet bread for holidays and celebrations.

A no-cook Mexican torta stuffed with spiced mashed black beans, creamy avocado, shredded cabbage, and salsa on crusty whole-grain baguette. Vegetarian, high-fiber, and ready in under 20 minutes.

Classic Italian sponge cake made with a warm egg foam, cocoa powder, and no butter at all. Light as air with a deep golden crust and tender chocolate crumb.

A crustless quiche-style torta loaded with cheddar, Monterey Jack, green chiles, and picante sauce baked in a creamy egg custard. Feeds up to 10 with minimal effort.

Savory Italian spinach torta with mozzarella, sun-dried tomatoes, and toasted pine nuts baked in a Dijon-brushed pie crust. A stunning brunch or dinner centerpiece that's golden, cheesy, and herb-filled.

Crispy Spanish olive oil cookies spiced with anise, cinnamon, and sesame seeds, finished with sliced almonds. Egg-free, dairy-free, and fragrant with lemon and white wine.

Mexican cheese torta: a no-cook chilled cheese ball-style mold of cream cheese, Colby, Monterey Jack, red pepper, scallions, and jalapeño. A make-ahead party centerpiece served with tortilla chips.

An Italian chocolate hazelnut cake from Turin with homemade gianduja paste, whipped chocolate cream filling, apricot jam, and a brandy-liqueur soak. A show-stopping patisserie-level dessert.

Fluffy Spanish-style omelets filled with a simmered tomato and green pepper sauce, then rolled and drenched in the remaining salsa. A vibrant, satisfying egg dish ready in 30 minutes.

Cheddar sage and walnut torta: a layered no-bake cheese mold with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, fresh sage, and toasted walnuts. An elegant make-ahead appetizer for the holiday board.

Torta di nocciole: Italian hazelnut cake made with toasted ground hazelnuts and barely any flour, topped with soft whipped cream. A light, elegant Piedmontese dessert with intense nut flavor.

Italian country spice cake (torta speziata): cocoa, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with raisins plumped in warm water and a hit of brewed espresso in the batter.

Classic Italian ricotta cheesecake with a buttery shortcrust base and a light, airy filling studded with candied fruit. Torta di ricotta is lighter and more delicate than American cheesecake, baked low and slow until just set.

Rich flourless chocolate mousse cake spiked with Cointreau or Chambord, baked in a water bath and topped with billowy whipped cream. An Italian-style showstopper dessert.

Torta Divina is a rich Italian flourless chocolate cake laced with Cointreau, baked in a water bath, and finished with whipped cream and fresh raspberries. Gluten-free by nature.

Layered cheese torta with pesto cream cheese, provolone, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, and toasted pine nuts. A stunning no-bake appetizer that chills overnight and keeps for weeks.