Dreamy Snowdrift Torte

Serves 10-16, depending on portions; it is very rich.
== Ingredients ==
=== Batter ===
* 3/4 	stick 	real butter, softened
* 3/4 	cup 	Sugar
* 3 	x 	large eggs
* 1 	tsp 	vanilla extract
* 1/2 	tsp 	almond flavoring
* 2/3 	cup 	half and half
* 1 1/2 	cup 	cake flour
* 1 1/2 	tsp 	baking powder
=== Filling Layer # 1 (white chocolate Ganache) ===
* 1 	bag 	12 oz white baking morsels
* 1/3 	cup 	cream
=== Filling Layer #2 ===
* 12 	oz 	sliced almonds
=== Filling Layer # 3 ===
* 1 	package 	8 oz pkg cream cheese, softened
* 1 	cup 	confectioners Sugar
* 1/2 	tsp 	almond flavoring
=== Filling Layer # 4 (and topping) ===
* 2 	cups 	heavy (whipping) cream, chilled
* 1 	cup 	confectioners Sugar
* 1 	tbsp 	white vanilla
== Directions ==
=== Batter ===
# Cream butter and Sugar together until fluffy.
# Add eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each one is added, then add vanilla and almond flavor.
# cream again for about 2 minutes. In separate bowl, mix flour and baking powder.
# Add ½ of the half and half and ½ of the flour mixture to butter/Sugar mixture and mix well.
# Add remaining half and half and flour mixture and mix well.
# Grease and lightly dust with flour 4, 8- inch cake pans, preferably stainless steel for even cooking.
# Fill each pan with about ¼ of the batter and carefully shake each pan back and forth until batter is evenly distributed.
# Bake at 350 degrees for 12–15 minutes, until just done.
# DO NOT OVERCOOK.
# Remove from oven and allow to cool, lightly covered to prevent drying.
=== Filling Layer #1 ===
# Place morsels in microwaveable bowl and pour cream over them.
# Melt in microwave 20 seconds at a time, stirring after each 20 second interval, until smooth.
=== For Filling Layer #3 ===
# Mix ingredients well, until smooth in medium bowl.
=== For Filling Layer #4 ===
# Beat cream on high for 3 minutes, until soft peaks start to form in large glass bowl.
# Add Sugar and vanilla and continue to beat with mixer another 2–5 minutes, until it forms stiff peaks.
=== To Assemble ===
# Note: All steps can be done the day ahead, reserving final assembly to 2 hours before serving.
# Remove cooled cake layers from pans and place on wire racks, two to a rack.
# Spread each cake with white chocolate ganache, including sides (a scraper or butter knife works well on the sides).
# While ganache is still soft, cover the top only with a layer of thinly sliced almonds, pressing them slightly into the ganache.
# Place in freezer for 10–20 minutes to set the ganache.
# Remove from freezer and spread the cream cheese layer over the almonds.
# Refrigerate at least ½ an hour (can be refrigerated, covered, 24 hours).
# The final assembly can be done 2 hours before serving.
# To assemble, place a cake on a serving plate and spread a ½ inch or thicker, layer of the chilled, sweetened whipped cream over the top, creating thick Scallops at the very edge.
# Place the second cake layer on top and continue until all 4 cake layers are stacked high.
# Spoon remaining whipped cream onto the top of the torte and using a spoon, create deep valleys and peaks in the cream.
# Sprinkle with any combination of garnishes listed above.
=== Garnish ===
# Large, sparkling, bake and melt-proof white sugar, white, gold or silver edible glitter.
# Chill in refrigerator at least one hour before serving.
# Serve chilled with orange-tinged or spiced hot chocolate and gourmet coffees.
== See also ==
Category:Almond Recipes
Category:Cake flour Recipes
Category:Chocolate Recipes
Category:Christmas Desserts
Category:Cream cheese Recipes
Category:Vanilla extract Recipes
Category:White chocolate Recipes