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Chocolate and almond cake

⏱ 15 min🍳 40 min👤 8 pp★★★☆☆

There are food combinations that have been considered perfectly matched since the dawn of time, appealing to the most refined palates across the world and becoming a significant part of our gastronomic heritage: with just the right balance of aromas and flavours, they will always be able to find a space on our dining tables whether the occasion is formal or otherwise. Today’s recipe is one such: chocolate and almond cake, a real classic, which if prepared with imagination and skill may disappear as soon as it arrives at the table, leaving your guests speechless and unable to resist. Do you want to know how to make this cake flawlessly, to get that unique flavour thanks to the superlative combination of almonds and chocolate? Follow our advice at every stage of the recipe, and be prepared to put your cake in a safe, rather than the fridge, if you really want to be able to serve it to your guests ...

Ingredients

Nutritional values 520 kcal / serving
Protein
12g
Carbohydrates
42g
Fat
38g
Fiber
4g

* approximate values per serving

Information
15 minutes Total time
40 minutes Active time
Serves 8 persons
★★★☆☆ Challenging

Preparation

Coarsely chop the almonds. Break up the chocolate and melt it in a bain marie. In a bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff. In another bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar with an electric whisk until frothy. Add the softened butter and continue beating, then add the beaten egg white a tablespoon at a time. Sift the flour over the mixture and stir in with a whisk. Add the ground almonds and sift in the cocoa. Mix with the whisk once again. Pour in the melted chocolate gradually, stirring all the time. Grease and flour a baking tin with low edges 24 cm in diameter, pour in the mixture, and level it off with the back of a spoon. Bake at 160°C in a conventional oven for about 35/40 minutes. When cooked, let it stand for 10 minutes then turn it out of its tin and it let cool on a wire rack. Dust with icing sugar and serve with whipped cream.

Tips
To make the Caprese chocolate and almond cake even more tasty and inviting, you could toast the almonds.
Trivia
According to tradition, the ‘Caprese’ chocolate and almond cake was invented on the beautiful island of Capri as a result of using the wrong type of flour (just almonds, rather than grain).

Step by step

Ingredients
Ingredients
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Additional information

Caprese Cake with Toasted Almonds

One of the most appreciated variations of the Caprese Cake is certainly the one that includes toasted almonds. This small adjustment enhances the flavor of the almonds, giving the dessert a crunchy note and an even more intense aroma. To prepare this version, simply toast the almonds in the oven for a few minutes before chopping them and adding them to the batter. Toasting not only improves the flavor but also increases the complexity of the dish, making it perfect for those who love desserts rich in character. This Caprese Cake with toasted almonds is ideal for a delicious snack or as a dessert after a special lunch, accompanied by a glass of sweet wine.

Umbrian Caprese Cake

The Caprese Cake is a typical dessert from Umbria, but it can be prepared in various regional variations. The Umbrian version is characterized by the use of fresh and genuine ingredients, such as high-quality dark chocolate and local almonds. This dessert is often served in traditional restaurants and represents a symbol of Umbrian pastry. To prepare it according to tradition, it is essential to use dark chocolate with a cocoa percentage higher than 70%, which gives the cake an intense and deep flavor. The Umbrian Caprese Cake is perfect to enjoy with an espresso coffee or a local liqueur, for a moment of sweetness that celebrates the authenticity of regional flavors.

Light Caprese Cake without Butter

For those who desire a lighter version of the Caprese Cake, here is the preparation for the Light Caprese Cake, which does not use butter. In this variant, butter can be replaced with low-fat Greek yogurt, which maintains the creaminess of the batter without weighing it down. Additionally, the amount of sugar can be reduced or replaced with a natural sweetener, to create a dessert more suitable for those on a diet. The Light Caprese Cake without butter does not compromise on the taste and softness typical of this dessert, making it an ideal choice for those who want to indulge in a sweet treat without guilt. Perfect also for those who are calorie-conscious, this variant allows you to enjoy a classic of Italian pastry in a healthier way.

Benefits of Almonds in Caprese Cake and Calories

Almonds, the main ingredient of the Caprese Cake, are known to be rich in nutrients and provide numerous health benefits. They are an excellent source of vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, and of monounsaturated fats, useful for keeping cholesterol levels in check. Additionally, almonds contain minerals such as magnesium and calcium, essential for bone health. A serving of Caprese Cake (about 100 grams) contains approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Choosing quality ingredients and preparing the cake in a balanced way can make this dessert not only delicious but also a nutritious option to include in a varied and balanced diet.

Can the Caprese Cake be Frozen?

The Caprese Cake can be frozen, but it is important to follow a few simple guidelines to best preserve its flavor and texture. Before freezing, make sure to let it cool completely and wrap it well in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This way, you will avoid freezer burn. The cake can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it, simply let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. Remember not to freeze the cake if it is filled or decorated, as the additional ingredients may alter the texture and flavor once thawed.