Torta di Mandorle (Almond Cake)

Torta di Mandorle is a delicious Italian almond cake that’s both moist and flavorful. Its rich almond flavor and tender crumb make it a delightful dessert for any occasion. From my own personal experience, this cake has been a hit at family gatherings and is surprisingly easy to make. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a gluten-free dessert option as it uses almond flour instead of regular flour. Let’s dive into the details of how to create this lovely cake.

Notes on What to Expect

• The cake will be moist and have a delicate almond flavor.
• If using baking powder, expect a slightly fluffier texture. Without it, the cake will be denser and more fudgy.
• The top may crack slightly during baking, which is normal.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Time to Stand: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Ease of Cooking: Easy
• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per slice
• Cost of Ingredients: Around $10-$15
• Cuisine: Italian
• Course: Dessert

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch round cake pan
• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer or whisk
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Parchment paper (optional)
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Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups almond flour (make sure it’s finely ground)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for a lighter texture)
• Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
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Method

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly.
2. Prepare the Cake Pan: Grease the 9-inch round cake pan with a little butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal after baking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure there are no lumps.
4. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy. Then add the melted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until fully combined. Be careful not to over-mix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Pour into the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with the spatula.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Serve: Once cooled, dust the top with powdered sugar if desired. Slice and serve!

Variations

• Chocolate Almond Cake: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate twist.
• Citrus Almond Cake: Incorporate the zest of one lemon or orange for a refreshing flavor.
• Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (not suitable for those with nut allergies).
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Tips

• Make sure to use finely ground almond flour for the best texture.
• If you don’t have almond flour, you can make your own by blending blanched almonds in a food processor until fine.
• This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days at room temperature or in the fridge for up to a week.

Substitutions for Specific Dietary Needs

• Dairy-Free: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute in place of unsalted butter.
• Egg-Free: You can use flaxseed meal (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water = 1 egg) as an egg substitute.

Nutritional Information Per Serving

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 100mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 6g

I hope this guide has made making Torta di Mandorle seem a little less daunting! Have you tried it before? Please, be honest, and let me know in the comments below. I like to hear feedback from a real person like you, so please leave your honest comment!