Torta Hrapaćuša

Ingredients

• 250g (2 cups) ground almonds 250g (2 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
• 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened 200g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 100g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour 100g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp salt
• 100g (1/2 cup) sliced almonds, for garnish 100g (1/2 cup) sliced almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 30g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 25g
• Protein: 9g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and flour a round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the ground almonds, sugar, eggs, and lemon zest. Mix well until smooth.
3. 3.
   Add the softened butter and mix until fully incorporated.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the almond mixture, mixing until just combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the top of the cake batter.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. 9.
   Once cooled, slice and serve the Torta Hrapaćuša, and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground almonds — Make sure to use finely ground almonds for a smooth texture in the cake batter.
• Lemon zest — Use organic lemons for the best flavor and make sure to only zest the outer yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Torta Hrapaćuša with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter.
• Toast the sliced almonds before garnishing the cake to enhance their nutty flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Torta Hrapaćuša at room temperature to fully enjoy its flavors and textures. It pairs well with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, dust the top of the Torta Hrapaćuša with powdered sugar just before serving. You can also decorate the cake with edible flowers or fresh berries for an elegant touch.