Torta Caprese is a luxurious Italian dessert that perfectly balances decadence and simplicity. This flourless chocolate cake, made with almonds, offers a rich, moist texture and a deep chocolate flavor with a subtle nutty sweetness. Packed with essential nutrients, almonds provide vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats, while dark chocolate delivers antioxidants and mood-boosting benefits. However, it's important to enjoy this indulgence in moderation, as its richness comes with a high calorie and sugar content. Perfect for special occasions or as a treat, Torta Caprese is a timeless recipe that embodies the art of Italian baking. Discover the ultimate indulgence with this iconic dessert that satisfies both the palate and the soul.

Ingredients:

- 200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

- 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter

- 200g (7 oz) granulated sugar

- 4 large eggs

- 200g (7 oz) finely ground almonds (almond flour)

- 1 tsp vanilla extract

- A pinch of salt

- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Alternatives to Ingredients:

• Replace unsalted butter of coconut oil. 
• Use honey or coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar. 
• For those with nut allergies, substitute almond flour with finely ground oat flour. 

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.

Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until pale and frothy. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture. Add the ground almonds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until well combined.

Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly moist. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before transferring to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Enjoy your Torta Caprese with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of luxury!

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair the cake with a robust Italian espresso or a delicate black tea to balance the richness.
• For an extra indulgence, serve with a dollop of whipped cream, mascarpone, or a scoop of vanilla gelato.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.Can this recipe be made vegan?

• Yes! Replace the eggs with flax or chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it forms a gel-like consistency.

2.Can Torta Caprese be made without added sugar?

• Absolutely. Use unsweetened applesauce or mashed bananas as natural sweeteners. Adjust the amount based on your desired level of sweetness.

3.How do I store the cake to keep it fresh?

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

4.Can I add other flavors like orange zest or coffee?

• Yes! Add 1-2 teaspoons of orange zest for a citrusy twist or 1 tablespoon of espresso powder for a rich, coffee-infused flavor.

5.How to make the cake lower in calories?

• Substitute butter with unsweetened applesauce and reduce the sugar by half. Opt for dark chocolate with a higher cocoa content to reduce added sugars.

6.Is this cake suitable for children?

• Yes, but you can adjust the sugar content or use natural sweeteners to make it healthier for kids.

Nutritional values

200g (7 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

 - Calories: About 600 kcal

 - Fat: 43g (including saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 46g

 - Protein: 7g

 - Fiber: 12g

 - Sugar: 25g

Benefits:

 - Rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can support heart health.

 - Contains iron, magnesium, and copper.

 - Provides a rich, deep flavor.

150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter

 - Calories: About 717 kcal

 - Fat: 81g (including saturated fat)

 - Carbohydrates: 0.1g

 - Protein: 0.9g

 - Cholesterol: 215 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and a smooth texture to the dessert.

 - Contains vitamins A, D, E, and K.

200g (7 oz) granulated sugar

 - Calories: About 400 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 100g

Benefits:

 - Provides sweetness and contributes to the texture of the dessert.

4 large eggs

 - Calories: About 70 kcal

 - Fat: 5g

 - Protein: 6g

 - Cholesterol: 186 mg

Benefits:

 - Adds structure and richness to the dessert.

 - Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D.

200g (7 oz) finely ground almonds (almond flour)

 - Calories: About 575 kcal

 - Fat: 50g (including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats)

 - Carbohydrates: 20g

 - Protein: 21g

 - Fiber: 10g

Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats and protein.

 - Adds a rich, nutty flavor and moist texture to the dessert.

 - Contains vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

1 tsp vanilla extract

 - Calories: About 12 kcal

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and aroma.

 - Contains small amounts of antioxidants.

A pinch of salt

 - Sodium: About 5 mg (negligible)

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.

Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

 - Calories: About 30 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 7g

Benefits:

 - Adds a decorative touch and additional sweetness.

This recipe combines rich dark chocolate, creamy butter, and sweet sugar with the nutty flavor of almond flour, creating a decadent dessert. The eggs provide structure and richness, while vanilla extract and a pinch of salt enhance the overall flavor profile. Optional powdered sugar adds a finishing touch for presentation.