Discover the exquisite Torta Tre Monti, a luscious layered chocolate cake that pays homage to the three mountains of San Marino. This recipe guides you through creating a rich, indulgent dessert with velvety chocolate layers and a smooth ganache. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat to impress your guests!

Ingredients:

For the Cake Layers:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Ganache:

- 8 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped

- 1 cup heavy cream

- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For Assembly:

- Powdered sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake Layers:

- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 8-inch round cake pans.

- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.

- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract.

- Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.

- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans and smooth the tops.

- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Ganache:

- Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.

- In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 2-3 minutes. Add the butter and stir until the ganache is smooth and glossy.

Assemble the Cake:

- Level the cooled cake layers with a knife if necessary.

- Place one cake layer on a serving plate and spread a layer of ganache on top. Repeat with remaining layers, spreading ganache between each layer and on the top and sides of the cake.

- Chill the cake in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to set the ganache.

Serve:

- Dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

- Slice and enjoy the rich, chocolatey goodness of your Torta Tre Monti!

This recipe creates a stunning and delicious dessert that's sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Nutritional Values

For the Cake Layers:

- All-Purpose Flour (1 ½ cups):

  - Calories: 660

  - Fat: 1.8g

  - Carbohydrates: 130g

  - Protein: 18g

Benefits:

  - Provides energy through carbohydrates.

  - Versatile ingredient in baking.

  - Low in fiber and nutrients compared to whole grains.

- Baking Powder (1 ½ teaspoons):

  - Calories: 3

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.3g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Helps cakes rise and become fluffy.

  - Contributes minimal calories.

- Salt (¼ teaspoon):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Sodium: 580mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor.

  - Helps balance sweetness.

  - Supports electrolyte balance in moderation.

- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (¾ cup):

  - Calories: 180

  - Fat: 12g

  - Carbohydrates: 42g

  - Protein: 9g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which may improve heart health.

  - Contains iron, magnesium, and fiber.

  - Adds a deep chocolate flavor without added sugar.

- Unsalted Butter (½ cup):

  - Calories: 810

  - Fat: 92g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

  - Provides a rich flavor and texture.

  - Source of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E.

  - Contains saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.

- Granulated Sugar (1 cup):

  - Calories: 774

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 200g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Provides sweetness and structure in baked goods.

  - Quick source of energy.

  - Should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

- Large Eggs (2):

  - Calories: 140

  - Fat: 10g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 12g

Benefits:

  - Rich in high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair.

  - Provides essential vitamins and minerals like B12, iron, and choline.

  - Contains healthy fats that support brain function.

- Buttermilk (1 cup):

  - Calories: 150

  - Fat: 5g

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

  - Protein: 8g

Benefits:

  - Adds moisture and tenderness to baked goods.

  - Provides calcium, important for bone health.

  - Contains probiotics that support gut health.

- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: 12

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and aroma to baked goods.

  - Contains trace antioxidants.

For the Ganache:

- Semisweet Chocolate (8 oz):

  - Calories: 1,140

  - Fat: 72g

  - Carbohydrates: 132g

  - Protein: 12g

Benefits:

  - Rich in antioxidants that can improve heart health.

  - Provides a satisfying chocolate flavor.

  - Contains moderate sugar content.

- Heavy Cream (1 cup):

  - Calories: 820

  - Fat: 88g

  - Carbohydrates: 6g

  - Protein: 5g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and smooth texture to desserts.

  - Source of fat-soluble vitamins A and D.

  - Should be consumed in moderation due to high fat content.

- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons):

  - Calories: 204

  - Fat: 23g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor and texture of ganache.

  - Source of fat-soluble vitamins.

  - Adds a smooth finish to desserts.

For Assembly:

- Powdered Sugar (for dusting):

  - Calories: 31 per tablespoon

  - Fat: 0g

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds a sweet, decorative finish.

  - Provides a light dusting of sweetness without overpowering flavor.

  - Should be used sparingly to avoid excess sugar intake.

These nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on brands and specific measurements used.