Recipe

Rapska Torta - A Delightful Croatian Almond Cake

Almond Bliss: Indulge in the Delicate Delights of Rapska Torta

4.5 out of 5

Rapska Torta is a traditional Croatian dessert hailing from the island of Rab. This delectable almond cake is a true delight, known for its rich flavor and delicate texture.

Dessert› Cake› Rapska torta

European cuisine› Mediterranean cuisine› Balkan cuisine› Croatian cuisine

Preparation time

20 minutes

Cooking time

40-45 minutes

Total time

1 hour 5 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Easy

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free baking powder), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free margarine for greasing)

Allergens

Almonds, Eggs

Not suitable for

Vegan, Nut-free

Ingredients

250g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 250g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
4 large eggs 4 large eggs
Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp vanilla extract
Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
Fat (total, saturated): 20g, 1.5g
Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 25g
Protein: 8g
Fiber: 3g
Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a round cake pan.
2.
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
3.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until light and fluffy.
4.
Gradually add the beaten eggs to the almond mixture, stirring gently until well combined.
5.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
6.
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
7.
Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8.
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9.
Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
10.
Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

Ground almonds — Ensure that the almonds are finely ground to achieve a smooth texture in the cake batter.
Lemon zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

For an extra burst of flavor, add a splash of Amaretto liqueur to the batter.
Serve the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
If you prefer a more citrusy flavor, add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the batter.
To make the cake even more visually appealing, garnish it with slivered almonds before baking.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve Rapska Torta as a delightful dessert after a Croatian-inspired meal. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

Presentation advice

Present the Rapska Torta on a decorative cake stand or plate. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Optionally, garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a few raspberries for a pop of color.