Colombia's Torta Negra is a cherished traditional dessert, especially popular during Christmas and festive celebrations. This rich and dense cake combines a variety of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, all soaked in dark rum for a few days to enhance its flavor. The result is a luxurious cake with a complex, deeply spiced taste that embodies Colombian culinary traditions.
Torta Negra is deeply embedded in Colombian culture and is often associated with Christmas festivities. Its origins reflect a blend of Spanish and indigenous influences, which have evolved over time into a unique Colombian holiday tradition. The cake's preparation and ingredients have been passed down through generations, making it a symbol of family gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients:
1. 1 pound dark brown sugar
2. 1 pound butter
3. 1 pound all-purpose flour
4. 10 eggs
5. 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, prunes, apricots)
6. 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
7. 1 cup dark rum
8. 1 tablespoon baking powder
9. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
10. 1 tablespoon ground cloves
11. 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
12. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
13. Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Method:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
5. Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. Fold in the mixed dried fruits, chopped nuts, dark rum, and vanilla extract.
7. Grease a 10-inch (25 cm) cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake for 2 to 3 hours or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a serving plate.
11. Optionally, brush the top of the cake with additional dark rum.
12. Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 1 month.
Notes:
1. For enhanced flavor, soak the dried fruits and nuts in rum for several days before baking.
2. Use a high-quality dark rum for the best results.
3. This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream, ice cream, or a fruit compote.
Nutrition Value:
1. 1 pound dark brown sugar
- Calories: 1,752
- Carbohydrates: 456 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 24 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains calcium, potassium, and iron
Nutritional Benefit: Dark brown sugar provides energy through carbohydrates and contains trace amounts of minerals like iron and calcium, although it should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.
2. 1 pound butter
- Calories: 3,266
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 367 g
- Sodium: 1,256 mg
- Cholesterol: 1,028 mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K
- Minerals: Contains calcium and phosphorus
Nutritional Benefit: Butter is a source of healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins, but it is high in calories and cholesterol, so it should be used in moderation.
3. 1 pound all-purpose flour
- Calories: 1,648
- Carbohydrates: 346 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Fat: 4 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains iron and magnesium
Nutritional Benefit: All-purpose flour is a primary source of carbohydrates for energy and provides protein, though it is low in fat and sodium.
4. 10 eggs
- Calories: 720
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 60 g
- Fat: 48 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Cholesterol: 2,200 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamins A, D, E, B12, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Contains iron, phosphorus, and selenium
Nutritional Benefit: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. They are also rich in cholesterol and should be consumed as part of a balanced diet.
5. 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, cranberries, prunes, apricots)
- Calories: 1,292
- Carbohydrates: 337 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 8 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin A, vitamin C (primarily from cranberries)
- Minerals: Contains potassium, iron, and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Mixed dried fruits provide a natural source of energy through carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health and wellness.
6. 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans)
- Calories: 1,657
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Fat: 148 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E and B vitamins
- Minerals: High in magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients. They support heart health and provide long-lasting energy.
7. 1 cup dark rum
- Calories: 644
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains minimal amounts of B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Dark rum contributes flavor and alcohol to recipes. It has no significant nutritional benefits but should be used in moderation due to its high calorie content.
8. 1 tablespoon baking powder
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 502 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Contains calcium and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Baking powder is primarily used as a leavening agent in baking. It contributes a small amount of sodium and calcium but has negligible nutritional benefits.
9. 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- Calories: 19
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains calcium, iron, and potassium
Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon adds flavor and is known for its antioxidant properties. It contributes to overall health with its small amounts of essential nutrients.
10. 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and K
- Minerals: Contains manganese, calcium, and magnesium
Nutritional Benefit: Ground cloves provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, along with small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals.
11. 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin A and C
- Minerals: Contains manganese, magnesium, and copper
Nutritional Benefit: Nutmeg adds a warm flavor and provides antioxidants, as well as a small amount of essential vitamins and minerals.
12. 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Calories: 12
- Carbohydrates: 0.5 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Contains trace amounts of potassium and calcium
Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract adds flavor to recipes with minimal nutritional contribution. It should be used in moderation due to its high alcohol content.
13. Pinch of salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Provides sodium
Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor and helps with electrolyte balance, but should be used sparingly to avoid excessive sodium intake.
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