Torta Sabbiosa - Italian Almond Cake

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240g) almond flour 2 cups (240g) almond flour
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 large eggs 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting Powdered sugar, for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories: 280 kcal / 1170 kJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
• Carbohydrates: 21g (Sugar: 18g)
• Protein: 7g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23cm) round cake pan.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3.
   Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon zest.
4. 4.
   Gradually add the almond flour and salt to the mixture, mixing until well combined.
5. 5.
   Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
6. 6.
   Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Once cooled, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar. Serve and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Ensure you are using finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cake.
• Lemon zest — Use organic lemons and wash them thoroughly before zesting to avoid any bitterness.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra touch of elegance, serve the Torta Sabbiosa with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla gelato.
• To add a crunchy element, sprinkle some sliced almonds on top of the cake batter before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, you can add a teaspoon of lemon juice to the batter along with the zest.
• Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of freshly brewed Italian coffee.

Serving advice

Serve the Torta Sabbiosa at room temperature to fully appreciate its delicate texture and flavors. Cut it into wedges and dust each slice with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can place a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, alongside each slice of Torta Sabbiosa. The vibrant colors of the berries will beautifully complement the golden hue of the cake.