Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake (Torta Caprese)

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE

I was trying this recipe for the first time on Passover, a Jewish holiday during which leavened foods are not allowed. I needed to create a flourless cake for my guests. I already have several flourless cakes on my website, such as flourless pistachio cake, flourless chocolate cake, flourless almond cake, and more gluten-free recipes.

But this time, I had a vision. I wanted to combine two flavors I love: chocolate and almond. I knew it would be pretty easy because I had already successfully made these cakes without flour. So, I started testing and researching, as I always do when creating new recipes. To my surprise, I discovered that someone had already come up with this idea 😂. It's actually a well-known cake in Italy called torta caprese.

All the guests loved it and I decided to share my recipe with you. I hope you will like it as much as they did.

I just LOVE this cake

INGREDIENTS FOR FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

When making a flourless chocolate almond cake, each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the cake's rich texture and flavor:

• Dark Chocolate: The star of the show, dark chocolate provides the intense chocolate flavor and richness that defines this cake.
• Butter: Adds moisture and a creamy texture to the cake, helping to create a smooth and velvety batter.
• Eggs: Separated into yolks and whites, the yolks add richness while the whipped egg whites provide the light and airy texture that balances the cake's density.
• Ground Almonds: Serve as a gluten-free alternative to flour, giving the cake a subtle nutty flavor and a moist, dense texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Sugar: Used in both the yolk mixture and to whip the egg whites, sugar sweetens the cake and helps achieve the desired consistency.

TIPS TO MAKE THE BEST TORTA CAPRESE

Creating the perfect Torta Caprese requires attention to detail and a few expert tips:

• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich and intense flavor.
• Properly Separate Eggs: Ensure no yolk gets into the whites to achieve stiff peaks when whipping the egg whites.
• Gradual Folding: Fold the whipped egg whites gently into the chocolate-almond mixture to maintain the airy texture without deflating the batter.
• Avoid Overbaking: Bake until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs to ensure the cake remains fudgy and moist.
• Cool Completely: Let the cake cool entirely in the pan before removing it to prevent it from breaking apart.

WHAT IS TORTA CAPRESE?

Torta Caprese is a classic Italian cake hailing from the island of Capri. It is traditionally made with dark chocolate and ground almonds, resulting in a rich, moist, and fudgy cake that is naturally gluten-free. The cake is often dusted with powdered sugar and served with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE?

Creating a flourless chocolate almond cake requires some basic kitchen equipment:

1. Springform Pan: Essential for easy removal of the cake after baking.
2. Heatproof Bowl: Used for melting the chocolate and butter over simmering water.
3. Whisk: For whisking egg yolks and sugar to achieve a pale and thick mixture.
4. Electric Mixer: Handy for whipping egg whites to stiff peaks.
5. Spatula: For gently folding the whipped egg whites into the chocolate-almond mixture.

These essential tools will help you create the perfect tiramisu cupcakes with ease and precision. Happy baking! You probably have most of the required equipment at home, but if you want to upgrade your kitchen, I recommend reading these articles:

• 10 Highly Recommended Baking Tools
• 20 Kitchen Essentials Every Home Cook Needs

*Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links and I may earn a commission if you purchase through those links.

OTHER RECIPE IDEAS FOR FLOURLESS GLUTEN-FREE DESSERTS

Flourless desserts are a delicious way to enjoy sweet treats without gluten. Here are a few other gluten-free dessert ideas:

1. Flourless Pistachio Cake: Quick, easy and delicious flourless pistachio cake. If you are looking for a good gluten free cake and you also like pistachios, this cake is for you.
2. Flourless Chocolate Cake: you need only 4 ingredients to make this gluten free chocolate cake. This cake is so moist, rich and delicious that it going to be your favorite chocolate cake
3. Coconut Raspberry Bars: Quick, easy and healthy coconut raspberry bars. If you want an easy dessert that doesn't require baking or complicated cooking methods, make this no-bake dessert.
4. Flourless Almond Cake: This almond cake it really moist, light, rich in flavor and pretty easy to make. In addition to all, this cake is also dairy free!
5. Swedish Almond Cake: Swedish almond cake (Mandeltårta) is a cake that is made with two layers of almond meringue cake, in between there is a rich cream and all the cake is covered with toasted sliced almonds, which gives the cake its beautiful look.

Or check out all our gluten free recipes and choose your favorite.