French Walnut Torte

Directions

1. 1Heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. In large bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 tablespoon vanilla and eggs; beat 5 minutes at high speed.
2. 2Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt; mix well. Stir in 1 cup ground walnuts. Add flour mixture and whipped cream alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with flour mixture; mix well. Pour into greased and floured pans.
3. 3Bake at 350°F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until cake springs back when touched lightly in center. Cool 15 minutes; remove from pans.
4. 4In small saucepan, combine glaze ingredients; heat until warm and sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. Reserve 1/4 cup glaze. Spread remaining glaze over top of warm layers. Refrigerate glazed layers and reserved glaze for 30 minutes.
5. 5In medium bowl, combine all frosting ingredients except 1/2 cup ground walnuts; beat 2 minutes at medium speed.
6. 6To assemble cake, place 1 layer on serving plate, glazed side up. Spread with half of frosting. Top with second layer, glazed side up; spread top with remaining frosting. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup ground walnuts. Refrigerate 30 minutes.
7. 7Spread reserved 1/4 cup glaze on sides of cake. If desired, press an additional 1/2 cup ground walnuts into glaze. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or until served. Store in refrigerator.