Torta Caprese with a Twist

Ingredients

• 200g (1 ¾ cups) dark chocolate, chopped 200g (1 ¾ cups) dark chocolate, chopped
• 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds 200g (1 ¾ cups) ground almonds
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar 200g (1 cup) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 14g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 25g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a 9-inch round cake pan with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   Melt the dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. 4.
   Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. 5.
   Gradually add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined.
6. 6.
   Gently fold in the ground almonds and a pinch of salt until the batter is smooth and evenly mixed.
7. 7.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. 8.
   Bake for approximately 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
9. 9.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. 10.
    Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.
11. 11.
    Slice and serve this delightful Torta Caprese with a twist.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almonds — Make sure to use ground almonds for this recipe to achieve the desired texture. If you can't find ground almonds, you can grind whole almonds in a food processor until finely ground.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Torta Caprese with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.
• To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the ground almonds before adding them to the batter.
• For a more intense chocolate experience, use high-quality dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70%.
• If you prefer a sweeter cake, you can use semi-sweet chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve each slice of Torta Caprese with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint for a beautiful presentation. Pair it with a cup of freshly brewed espresso or a glass of sweet dessert wine to complement the rich flavors.

Presentation advice

To elevate the presentation of this Torta Caprese, you can garnish the cake with shaved dark chocolate or sprinkle some crushed almonds on top. Serve it on a decorative cake stand or plate for an elegant touch.