Torta Caprese Recipe
Contrary to Popular Belief, Italian Cuisine Isn’t Just About Pasta and Pizza
Each region of Italy boasts its own traditional desserts, and one of the most delightful examples is the Torta Caprese. Naturally gluten-free, this cake wins hearts—especially among chocolate lovers—with its intense chocolate flavor and the unique texture provided by almond flour.
What Is Torta Caprese?
Torta Caprese is a traditional dessert from the island of Capri, located near Naples in southern Italy. What sets it apart from classic cakes is the absence of flour—it's made instead with almond flour, which gives it a rich, moist texture. The main ingredients are chocolate, butter, eggs, and almond flour. The original recipe often includes a small amount of rum, but that’s entirely optional. If you’re not a fan of alcohol in desserts, you can easily skip it and still enjoy a delicious result—just as I do.
What Does the Name Mean?
The name Caprese comes from the island of Capri, where the cake was first created. According to legend, this cake was invented by accident in the 1920s when a pastry chef in Capri forgot to add flour to a cake. The result was so delicious that the recipe quickly spread across Italy. Over time, it became a beloved classic—especially popular among those who follow a gluten-free diet.
Characteristics of Torta Caprese
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Gluten-Free: Since it contains no flour, it's suitable for those with celiac disease or anyone following a gluten-free lifestyle.
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Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate and butter gives the cake a fudgy, decadent texture.
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Moist and Light Thanks to Almond Flour: Compared to classic flour-based cakes, Torta Caprese is denser and moister. If you're looking for an even gooier texture, try a similar recipe like a chocolate hazelnut fondant.
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Easily Customizable: You can add orange zest, vanilla, or a tablespoon of rum for extra layers of flavor.
How to Serve Torta Caprese
Torta Caprese is usually served at room temperature, with a dusting of powdered sugar on top. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. To balance the rich chocolate flavor, enjoy it with a shot of espresso or a cup of filter coffee—it’s a perfect match.
Enjoy!
Torta Caprese Recipe with Video
Ingredients
- 3 eggs (separated into whites and yolks)100 g butter
- 125 g dark chocolate
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 150 g almond flour
- Zest of 1 orange
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Preparation
- Melt the butter and chocolate together using a bain-marie (double boiler) or microwave.
- Once the mixture is warm (not hot), add the egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
- Stir in the orange zest and almond flour.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until soft peaks form (like shaving foam).
- Add the sugar and beat for a few more minutes until glossy and stiff.
- Gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture in batches.
- Pour the batter into a greased 20 cm (8-inch) springform pan.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely, then dust with powdered sugar.
Bon appétit!