If chocolate is your go-to treat for Valentine’s, why not try making a Torta Caprese? This delicious Italian dessert is rich and easy to prepare, perfect for a romantic evening. The blend of chocolate and almond creates a heavenly flavor that will impress anyone.
Originating from the island of Capri, this cake uses almond meal instead of flour. This allows the chocolate and nutty flavors to shine. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for a gluten-free diet. For an added touch, a splash of amaretto liqueur enhances the almond notes and adds warmth. Simply mix in a few tablespoons of amaretto liqueur into the batter for an extra layer of complexity.
Whether enjoyed on its own with a light dusting of cocoa powder or paired with fresh berries and whipped cream, this decadent treat will leave your loved ones wanting more.
To make the Italian Choc Cake – A Classic Torte Dessert, you will need the following ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 350 °F / 180 ºC. Grease and line an 8-inch (20-centimeter) round cake pan or springform pan with parchment paper.
In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, add 6 ounces coarsely chopped chocolate and ⅔ cup unsalted butter, making sure the base doesn’t touch the water. Heat, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate and butter are melted and combined. Remove from the heat.
Add 2 tablespoons Amaretto, 1 cup ground almonds, 2 tablespoons cocoa powder, and ¼ teaspoon fine salt and stir until fully combined. Allow it to cool while you proceed to the next step.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, combine 4 eggs and ¾ cup sugar. Whip the mixture on medium to high speed until it becomes thick and pale, and forms a ribbon when the whisk is lifted. Alternatively, you can use a hand-held electric mixer.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs and gently fold with a rubber spatula until combined. Scrape the bottom of the bowl, taking care not to deflate the whipped eggs too much.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan and level with an offset spatula.
Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs still attached, the sides are set, and the center jiggles just slightly.
Remove the cake from the oven and set it on a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes before releasing it from the pan. Let cool completely before transferring to a serving platter.
Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar and serve.
This Valentine’s Day, wow your special someone with a delicious Torta Caprese! This gluten-free Italian dessert, made with almond meal and chocolate, is sure to impress. Enhance its flavor with a splash of amaretto and pair it with fresh berries and freshly whipped cream for a delightful treat!
