Caprese Cake Recipe
If you’re searching for an unforgettable flourless chocolate cake that’s gluten-free yet decadently rich, look no further than Caprese Cake. This iconic Italian dessert features a heavenly fusion of dark chocolate and almonds, yielding a dense, fudgy treat that’s as simple to make as it is impressive to serve. Each bite is a symphony of bittersweet chocolate, buttery almonds, and delicate sweetness—a real showstopper for any occasion or just a Tuesday night treat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caprese Cake is all about core, high-quality ingredients that deliver wonderful flavor and texture. Each element brings out something special, from luscious chocolate to cloudlike whipped egg whites, resulting in a beautifully balanced dessert.
- Blanched almonds, finely ground: These form the backbone of the cake’s texture and earthy flavor, so go for fresh, high-quality almonds for the best results.
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped: A good chocolate is absolutely key—it imparts deep, robust flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Butter gives the Caprese Cake its tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb and a rich finish.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just right and helps create that delightful, slightly crackly crust.
- Large eggs, separated: The egg whites make the cake wonderfully airy while the yolks add richness and hold everything together.
- Pure vanilla extract: Elevates all the other flavors with a subtle, aromatic sweetness.
- Pinch of salt: Just a dash sharpens the chocolate notes and keeps the sweetness balanced.
- Powdered sugar for dusting: A simple, elegant finish that makes every slice look bakery-worthy.
How to Make Caprese Cake
Step 1: Prep the Cake Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with a bit of butter, then line the bottom with parchment paper. This double layer of protection means your Caprese Cake will pop out perfectly every time—no sticking, no stress!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place the chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Gently stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly, resisting the urge to sneak a taste (okay, maybe just a little)! A slow, gentle melt prevents the chocolate from scorching and keeps the texture dreamy.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together. You’re looking for a light and fluffy mixture—this takes a few minutes, but it’s worth it. This step gives the cake its delicate crumb and makes the batter so inviting to work with.
Step 4: Add Yolks and Vanilla
Beat in the egg yolks one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Add the vanilla extract and mix again. This builds richness and helps everything blend together beautifully.
Step 5: Mix in Chocolate and Almonds
Pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate into the mixture and stir gently, followed by the ground almonds. At this stage, the batter will look thick and glossy—a hint of the fudge-forward magic to come in your Caprese Cake.
Step 6: Beat & Fold in Egg Whites
In a separated clean bowl, whip the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they hold stiff peaks. Gently fold them into the cake batter in three additions, using a spatula and a light hand to keep all that lovely air in. This makes the cake rise while keeping the crumb tender and moist.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the shiny batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs—don’t overbake. A slightly underdone center is what makes Caprese Cake so luscious!
Step 8: Cool and Finish
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, generously dust the top with powdered sugar. Your kitchen will smell irresistible, and the cake will look like a work of art!
How to Serve Caprese Cake
Garnishes
Sometimes the simplest finishes are the best. Dust your Caprese Cake with a thick layer of powdered sugar for a classic look, or top each slice with whipped cream, fresh berries, or a scattering of grated chocolate to dial up the elegance.
Side Dishes
This cake is plenty rich all on its own, but if you’d like to serve something alongside, try a scoop of vanilla gelato or a spoonful of tangy crème fraîche. A bowl of mixed berries or even a drizzle of orange sauce pairs beautifully with the intense chocolate and almond flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow-factor presentation, cut the Caprese Cake into slim wedges and fan them slightly on a platter. Add edible flowers or serve individual mini cakes in ramekins for a party. You can even swirl in a little orange zest for a citrusy twist or stack two thinner layers with a ribbon of whipped cream in the middle.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Caprese Cake will stay moist and fabulous for up to three days at room temperature, covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The flavors deepen with time, making day-old cake almost more delicious than fresh!
Freezing
To freeze, wrap the completely cooled cake (whole or sliced) securely in plastic wrap, then again in foil. Tucked into the freezer, it will keep well for a month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before serving for the perfect texture.
Reheating
If you prefer your Caprese Cake slightly warm, just pop individual slices in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The chocolate will gently melt, making each bite ultra gooey and irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate brings the classic flavor and fudgy texture to Caprese Cake, but you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier cake. Just note that the cake may be a touch less intense, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Is Caprese Cake really gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Italian beauty uses only ground almonds—no flour at all. That makes Caprese Cake an ideal treat for those avoiding gluten, without sacrificing any of the richness or flavor.
Can I add other flavors (like orange zest) to the cake?
Yes, and it’s a lovely idea! A bit of orange zest folded into the batter adds fresh, bright notes that perfectly complement the chocolate and almonds. You could also try a splash of almond or hazelnut liqueur for an adult twist.
What can I use if I don’t have blanched almonds?
If you can’t find blanched almonds, whole raw almonds work in a pinch—just blitz them in a food processor until finely ground. Be careful not to over-process, or you’ll end up with almond butter.
Does Caprese Cake need to be refrigerated?
This cake keeps best at cool room temperature. However, if your kitchen is quite warm, you can refrigerate it to avoid melting. Just bring it back to room temperature before you serve to enjoy the full chocolatey flavor and delicate texture.
Final Thoughts
If you love desserts that are easy to make yet loaded with rich, nuanced flavor, don’t let another week go by without baking this Caprese Cake. It’s a celebration of chocolate and almonds you’ll come back to again and again—one irresistible, flourless slice at a time!
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Caprese Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of this gluten-free Italian dessert, the Caprese Cake. This decadent treat features a moist chocolate-almond base that’s perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet ending to a meal.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup (150 g) blanched almonds, finely ground
- 7 oz (200 g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt Chocolate: Melt dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Batter: Beat butter and sugar until light. Add egg yolks one at a time, then mix in vanilla extract. Stir in melted chocolate and fold in ground almonds.
- Beat Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat egg whites with salt until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into chocolate-almond mixture in three additions.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 35–40 minutes. Cool in pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Finish: Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Notes
- This gluten-free Italian dessert is rich and dense, perfect served with whipped cream or fresh berries.
- For extra flavor, consider adding the zest of one orange to the batter.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
