Torta Caprese Recipe (Italian Chocolate Almond Cake)
Torta caprese is a classic Italian chocolate almond cake from the island of Capri. Made without flour, this naturally gluten-free dessert is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey — perfect for special occasions or simple gatherings.
Anyone else miss traveling? Was going over my honeymoon pictures of Capri and got inspired to make this cake for breakfast – my take on Torta Caprese! Enjoy!
What Is Torta Caprese?
Torta caprese is a traditional Italian chocolate cake made with almonds instead of flour, giving it a dense, moist texture. Originating on the island of Capri, it’s naturally gluten-free and known for its rich chocolate flavor and cracked, rustic top.
When to Serve Torta Caprese
- As a dessert for Italian dinners or holidays
- Served with coffee or espresso
- Paired with whipped cream or fresh berries
Torta caprese pairs perfectly with coffee or espresso desserts like this espresso bundt cake. For another classic Italian dessert, try these cornetti.
Torta Caprese (Italian Chocolate Almond Cake)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 sticks of butter
- 1 1/2 cups bittersweet chocolate chips
- 5 eggs (separated)
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter the inside of a 9” springform pan.
- Place the butter and chocolate in the top of a double boiler and melt with a spatula until smooth (I used a salad bowl on top of a small boiling pot of water). It will start off very clumpy, but work through until it’s nice and smooth. If boiling water gets too aggressive lower it to medium or even low. When ready remove from head and set aside.
- Place egg whites and salt in a medium bowl. Place the yolks and sugar in a slightly larger bowl and set aside. Using a handheld mixer, beat egg whites on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 2 minutes (I did it manually since hubby was sleeping and didn’t want to make too much noise if you want a 10 min vigorous arm workout, you should try it, but I’m warning you it was painful and there will be sweat).
- Transfer the beaten egg whites to the yolk and sugar bowl and beat on medium speed (or by hand as I did) until light in colour and batter makes ribbons when you lift the whisk, about 2 minutes.
- Using a spatula, stir in the chocolate mixture and then fold in the flour (a few tbsp at a time) and the extracts until well blended.
- Pour the mixture into the buttered pan and bake for about 35-40 minutes or until puffed and shiny and cake is beginning to crack on top.
- Cool on a wire rack. When ready to serve, run a thin knife around the edge of the pan to release the cake. Remove the outside ring and dust the top with lots powdered sugar and enjoy!
What is torta caprese made of?
Torta caprese is made with chocolate, almonds, butter, eggs, and sugar, using ground almonds instead of flour.
Is torta caprese gluten-free?
Yes. Traditional torta caprese is naturally gluten-free because it’s made without flour.
Where does torta caprese come from?
Torta caprese originates from the Italian island of Capri and is a classic Southern Italian dessert.
What a fantastic recipe! Easy to follow and delicious. Thank you so much!