on mothers. and cake.

Last week was exceptionally “mom-centric” for me. As I mentioned in my guilt bars post, I spent a few days with 6 dear friends of mine from all over the globe. Though we initially met through blogging, many have since turned to other creative pursuits. But we still remain “The Ladies”, and still remain close and connected (though mostly through Skype and social media).

What I love about this group is how we’ve blossomed beyond talk about “what to charge” and “are you going to that conference”?, to real talk about the important stuff. Kids. Divorce. Money. Career shifts. I love that we are all there for one another – chiming in with advice, support, love and many (many) expletives (when appropriate). And I really loved, that for the first time ever, we all got a chance to be together – spending quality time just eating, drinking, strolling and talking. And laughing. And hurling expletives (when appropriate).

Tucked into the middle of this weekend was a lunch I attended with 2 families who I’ve grown close to through Noah’s pre-school. Each is headed up by a mom that I absolutely adore, and it was a joy to have all of our families together on a sunny spring Sunday. I offered to bring dessert, and in thinking about what to make, this long-lost friend popped into my head:

cinnamon cream torte

The recipe is from”The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook” – which I was given as a gift almost 30 years ago. The spine is cracked and the pages are wrinkled, stained and heavily noted. It was THE cookbook that I turned to over and over again in my early years of cooking and baking – and though I rarely use it anymore (it’s been replaced by fancier books, the web and magazines), I can’t bear to part with it.

cinnamon cream torte

One of the first desserts I ever made was this cinnamon-cream torte – which quickly became my mom’s favorite dessert. It is not at all difficult but it’s a bit labor-intensive – so I only made it for her, for occasions like birthdays and Mother’s Day. But as I became a more adventurous and experienced baker over the years, it fell by the wayside for more complicated and fancy-schmancy offerings.

But somehow it felt like the perfect dessert to make for this lunch – especially as we approach Mother’s Day.

Much like an icebox cake, this torte is comprised of crisp, wafer-thin cinnamon cookies, layered with freshly whipped cream. The cookies absorb the whipped cream and the whole thing turns into a light, sweet, cakelike confection.

cinnamon cream torte

cinnamon cream torte

cinnamon cream torte

Although it’s almost retro in its simplicity, it is elegant and delicious – and looks so pretty too.

cinnamon cream torte

cinnamon cream torte

Scroll to the bottom for more delicious treats to make Mom – and wishing you all a lovely lovely Mother’s Day!

Cinnamon Cream Torte
from The New Good Housekeeping Cookbook

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cinnamon
1 egg
1 1/2 cups flour
2 cups heavy cream

cocoa powder

Pre-heat oven to 375. Cut (9) 8″ circles of waxed paper (I use an 8″ cake pan as a guide).

Beat butter and sugar till light and fluffy – add cinnamon and egg and beat till blended. Add flour and beat on low till evenly mixed, then increase speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides.

Moisten a cookie sheet with a damp cloth (this will keep the waxed paper from moving around). Place two waxed paper rounds on the sheet and put 1/4 cup of batter on each. Using an angled spatula, spread the batter thinly and evenly. Bake 6-8 minutes, till lightly browned around the edges. Cool the cookies on the sheet on a wire rack for 5 minutes, then use a spatula to transfer them to the rack to cool completely. Repeat with remaining batter (cookies can be made up to 3 days in advance. Carefully stack on a plate and wrap in plastic wrap – store at room temperature).

At least 4 hours before serving, beat heavy cream till stiff peaks form. Working with one cookie at a time, carefully peel the waxed paper off. Place cookie on a flat serving plate and spread with about 1/2 cup whipped cream. Repeat with remaining cookies and cream. Lightly sift the top with cocoa.

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to allow cookies to soften.

(print this recipe)


This delicious recipe brought to you by Sheri Silver
https://sherisilver.com/2015/05/07/on-mothers-and-cake/

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7 Comments

  1. Bev Clapman (mom) on May 7, 2015 at 5:39 pm

    As the mom in this post I can personally attest to how good this torte looks, how good this tastes and how good this feels when you bite into it. And may I add at this time how lucky I am that Sheri is the mother of my grandchildren. I couldn’t be more proud. Happy Mother’s Day with much love. Mom, xoxoxo

  2. Melanie Uttech on May 10, 2019 at 10:01 pm

    Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I recently found a picture of this torte my mother had cut out years ago from her Good Housekeeping magazine but she forgot to save the recipe! So I had this beautiful picture without knowing how to make it! I will be making this for my own mother on Mother’s Day, 2019.

    • sherisilver on May 11, 2019 at 8:33 am

      This story made my day! You must tell me how it goes – your mom will be thrilled! Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂

  3. Anonymous From California on August 29, 2019 at 8:31 pm

    This is one of my favorite recipes! It also reminds me of my mother. I lost it when my computer blew up, and I have no idea where my mom’s old good housekeeping cook book is. Thank you so much for posting this!!!! (sorry for the anonymity)

  4. Sally on February 26, 2023 at 8:48 pm

    Have been searching for this recipe for ages! As a kid I loved to try new recipes and found it in my aunt’s magazine- lost track of the recipe but not the memories- always wanted to try to make it again!

    • sherisilver on February 27, 2023 at 6:35 am

      Oh yay! You must tell me if you make it – it is seriously so so good!

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Hi! I'm Sheri!

Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!