Torta Caprese: A Deliciously Simple Italian Dessert
Torta Caprese
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 8 ounces about 225g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1/2 cup 113g unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup 150g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup 100g almond flour (or ground almonds)
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional Additions:
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- Flavoring: A tablespoon of espresso or coffee liqueur enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Frosting: A simple ganache can be poured over the cake after it cools.
Instructions
- Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. If you're using an electric mixer, medium speed will work well.
- Step 4: Combine Mixtures
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously to combine. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
- Gently fold in the almond flour and a pinch of salt using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth with a few lumps remaining.
- Step 6: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 7: Cool the Cake
- Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for another 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve
- Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Variations
- Flourless Version: Stick with the original almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Fruit Addition: Consider adding raspberries or cherries on top for a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix if nut allergies are a concern.
If you’re looking for a dessert that is both rich and easy to prepare, Torta Caprese is a perfect choice. This classic Italian chocolate cake, originating from the island of Capri, is made with just a few simple ingredients and is naturally gluten-free. The cake is known for its fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, which makes it a crowd-pleaser. From my own personal experience, this cake is not only a delightful treat for chocolate lovers, but it also impresses guests without requiring hours in the kitchen. Let me show you how I make this exquisite dessert.
Notes on What to Expect
You can expect a dense and rich chocolate cake that is moist and deeply satisfying. Torta Caprese is best served at room temperature and tends to taste even better the next day after the flavors meld.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Time to Stand: 30 minutes (cooling)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Ease of Cooking: Easy
- Servings: 8
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 320
- Cost of Ingredients: $10–$15
- Cuisine: Italian
- Course: Dessert
- Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round cake pan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta Caprese now.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 8 ounces (about 225g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (100g) almond flour (or ground almonds)
- A pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
Optional Additions:
- Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or hazelnuts for extra texture.
- Flavoring: A tablespoon of espresso or coffee liqueur enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Frosting: A simple ganache can be poured over the cake after it cools.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta Caprese now.
Method
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the sides of a 9-inch round cake pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. If you’re using an electric mixer, medium speed will work well.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously to combine. Add in the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
Gently fold in the almond flour and a pinch of salt using a rubber spatula. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be smooth with a few lumps remaining.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft. A toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar before serving. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Variations
- Flourless Version: Stick with the original almond flour for a gluten-free version.
- Fruit Addition: Consider adding raspberries or cherries on top for a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix if nut allergies are a concern.
- > Go here to buy the must-have equipment and ingredients for making a Savory #Torta Caprese now.
Tips and Substitutions
- Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor; aim for 70% cocoa content.
- Butter Substitute: For a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
- Egg Substitutes: If you need an egg-free option, consider using flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg).
Nutritional Information Per Serving
- Calories: ~320
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
I hope this guide has made making Torta Caprese seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I love to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please, leave your honest comment.
Hello all,
Zio Leo here!
Cooking and sharing great food brings people together in the most authentic way, in my own personal experience, and with a lifelong passion for Italian cuisine, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and stories that celebrate the rich flavors of Italy. From classic dishes to modern twists, have my guides inspired you to bring a little bit of Italy into your kitchen? Please, be honest with me here. Leave your comments down below. I’d love to hear from real people like you. Read more about me here! =>>