Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake (Torta Caprese)

A triangular slice of chocolate cake is placed on a white plate. The cake is topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and two red cherries. The background includes a blurred white cake stand.
5 from 15 votes

Learn how to make the best flourless chocolate almond cake, in Italy this cake is called caprese and it’s perfect as gluten free cake or just as delicious chocolate cake.

FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE ALMOND CAKE

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.

the cooking foodie chocolate flourless cake

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:

INGREDIENTS FOR FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE

  • 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

how to make 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.

melted chocolate and ground almonds

WHAT IS TORTA CAPRESE?

torta caprese cake

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:

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

Flourless chocolate almond cake

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.

the cooking foodie chocolate almond cake

A triangular slice of chocolate cake is placed on a white plate. The cake is topped with a dusting of powdered sugar and two red cherries. The background includes a blurred white cake stand.

Flourless Chocolate Almond Cake (Torta Caprese)

5 from 15 votes
Prep Time 45 minutes
WORK TIME 15 minutes
DIFFICULTY Easy
Cuisine Italian
Servings 8 yields

Ingredients
 

  • 180 g 6.35oz Dark chocolate
  • 150 g Butter
  • 4 Large Eggs separated
  • 1¾ cups 180g Ground almonds
  • Pinch Salt
  • ¾ cup 150g Sugar, divided

Instructions
 

  • DIRECTIONS
    1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C). Line the bottom a 8-inch (20cm) with a springform pan and set aside.
    2. Place chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a pot with simmering water (bain-marie) and melt the chocolate and butter. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
    3. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and 1/2 cup (100g) sugar, whisk until thick and pale.
    4. Pour the chocolate mixture into the egg yolk mixture and mix until smooth. Add ground almonds and mix until combined. Set aside.
    5. In a separate bowl, using a hand mixer or a stand mixer, whisk egg whites until foamy, gradually add 1/4 cup of sugar and whisk to stiff peaks. Gradually fold whipped egg whites into the chocolate-almond mixture.
    6. Pour the batter into prepared pan and bake for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with few crumbs attached. Allow to cool completely before serving.
    7. Before serving dust with powdered sugar.
    8. Serve with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream or seasonal fruits.
    FAQs

    What is the best type of chocolate to use for a flourless chocolate almond cake?

    For a rich and intense flavor, use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content.
    dark chocolate
    *use high quality dark chocolate

    How can I ensure my flourless chocolate almond cake is not too dry?

    Avoid overbaking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Also, let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.

    Can I substitute the ground almonds with another nut or ingredient?

    Yes, you can use ground hazelnuts or walnuts for a different flavor. For a nut-free version, you can try using coconut flour, but the texture will vary.

    How do I properly separate egg yolks from egg whites?

    Use three bowls: one for the yolks, one for the whites, and one for cracking the eggs. This way, if you accidentally get yolk in the whites, you won't contaminate the whole batch. If you are nor confident enough about separating the eggs, try one of these tools.

    Why did my cake sink in the middle?

    This could be due to overmixing the batter, causing the egg whites to deflate. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter and avoid opening the oven door during baking.

    How do I melt the chocolate and butter without burning it?

    Use a double boiler (bain-marie) method by placing the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Stir constantly until melted and smooth.

    Can I make this cake ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the cake a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and bring it to room temperature before serving.

    What is the best way to serve flourless chocolate almond cake?

    Serve the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar, and optionally with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries for an added touch.

    How do I store leftover Torta Caprese?

    tore the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

    Why are my egg whites not whipping to stiff peaks?

    meringue
    Ensure that the bowl and whisk are completely clean and free of any grease or yolk. Use room temperature eggs for the best results, and gradually add sugar while whipping to help stabilize the egg whites.

Video

YouTube video
Nutrition information is automatically generated and thus we can not guarantee it is 100% accurate.

7 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!

    June 9, 2024
  2. Cheryl Strom says:

    I think something is missing in pan preparation. Parchment paper? And do you grease the pan?

    June 10, 2024
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Hi, nothing is wrong with the proportion. What make you think so?
      Yes, for easy release it’s butter to use parchment paper and grease the pan.

      June 11, 2024
  3. Bruno Ocampo says:

    Can I use chocolate powder 22-24 instead chocolate bar?

    June 10, 2024
    1. The Cooking Foodie says:

      Do you mean cocoa powder? No, you can’t skip the chocolate in this recipe.

      June 11, 2024
  4. 5 stars
    I love it
    If I want to use flour instead of almond, how much should I be using, and is there anything different in the process?

    December 6, 2024
5 from 15 votes (13 ratings without comment)

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