Indulge in Decadent Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake Recipe
Welcome, baking enthusiasts! If you’re in the mood for an indulgent and decadent sweet treat, I have just the recipe for you. Get ready to satisfy your chocolate craving with this Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake (Flourless) Recipe.
This cake is known by many names, including Torta Caprese, Torta Tenerina, and Torta di Noci, but no matter how you call it, one thing is guaranteed: a deliciously rich and fudgy dessert that will have you coming back for more.
What makes this cake stand out is its unique blend of ground walnuts and bittersweet chocolate, resulting in a dense and moist texture that melts in your mouth. Plus, it’s flourless, making it an excellent gluten-free option.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special dessert, this Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake is sure to impress. So let’s grab our aprons and get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Have you ever tried a cake that’s so rich and decadent, it makes your taste buds dance with joy? Well, get ready to experience just that with this Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake (Flourless) recipe. Trust me, you won’t be able to get enough of it!
First of all, this cake is entirely flourless, making it the perfect treat for anyone who is gluten intolerant. Instead of using cake flour, this recipe uses ground walnuts and cocoa powder to create a moist texture that will melt in your mouth. The use of almond flour instead of regular flour only enhances the nutty flavor of the cake, making it an irresistible treat.
But let’s talk about the star of the show: the chocolate! This recipe combines bittersweet chocolate and cocoa powder to create a deep, rich flavor that will send your taste buds into overdrive. The addition of a touch of instant coffee granules only elevates the chocolatey goodness, making every bite an indulgence you won’t soon forget.
Not only that but this recipe also calls for plenty of walnuts which add a satisfying crunch, and further complement the nutty and chocolate flavors in the cake.
And if you’re worried about calories or guilt at all, don’t fret! While this cake may seem like an indulgent treat, it only contains a modest amount of sugar – just enough to keep things sweet without overpowering other flavors.
So why should you love this recipe? Because it’s an explosion of flavors and textures that come together so perfectly that you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me; your taste buds deserve this delicious experience!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create your own scrumptious Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake:
- Cocoa Powder: This recipe calls for both Dutch-processed cocoa powder and unsweetened cocoa powder. These provide a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
- Walnuts: Use finely ground or chopped walnuts to add richness and texture to the cake. You will need two cups of walnuts.
- Granulated Sugar: One cup of granulated white sugar provides sweetness to balance the chocolate’s bitterness.
- Eggs: This recipe requires eggs to create structure and airiness. You will need five large eggs separated into yolks and whites.
- Instant Coffee Granules: Adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules enhances the richness of the chocolate flavor.
- Bittersweet Chocolate: Using high-quality bittersweet chocolate, you will need 3 ounces or 100 grams. The bittersweet complements the walnuts’ nutty flavor and results in a delectable contrast of flavors.
- Butter: Four tablespoons of unsalted butter give moisture and richness, making the cake tender and delightful.
- Powdered Sugar: Use powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) as a finishing touch prior to serving.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to put them together and make a delicious Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake. Here’s how you can make your very own Flourless Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 60 minutes
Step 1: Preheat your oven and prepare your pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch cake pan with butter and coat it with cocoa powder. You can also use parchment paper to line the bottom and sides of the pan.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate and butter.
Melt 8 ounces (225 grams) of bittersweet chocolate and 1 cup (226 grams) of unsalted butter in a double boiler or in a microwave. To melt in a double boiler, bring water to a simmer in a saucepan, then place a heat-proof bowl over top without touching the water. Add the chocolate and butter, stirring occasionally until melted. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals in the microwave, stirring after each interval until melted.
Step 3: Mix wet ingredients.
In separate mixing bowls, separate 4 large eggs, adding egg yolks into one bowl and beating egg whites in another bowl until stiff peaks form. In the bowl with egg yolks, mix in â…“ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder until well combined.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients.
In another bowl add 1 cup (100 grams) ground walnuts or almond flour, ¼ cup (25 grams) cocoa powder, ⅓ cup (70 grams) granulated sugar until combined.
Step 5: Combine wet and dry ingredients.
Combine the wet mixture with the dry mixture by adding them together slowly while stirring constantly. Stir thoroughly until well combined. Fold in egg whites gradually using an upwards motion using a rubber spatula until no white spots remain visible.
Step 6: Bake the cake.
Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth out the surface with spatula. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts (optional). Bake for about 35-45 minutes or until set at edges but still moist in center when tested with a toothpick. Cool completely before removing from pan.
There you have it – your very own Flourless Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake that is sure to be an absolute crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to baking, experimentation is key! Here are some variations and substitutions you can try with this flourless chocolate walnut cake:
– Almond flour: Instead of ground walnuts, you can use almond flour for a slightly different flavor and texture. The cake will still be flourless and gluten-free.
– Hazelnuts: If you’re a fan of Nutella, try using ground hazelnuts instead of walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
– Different chocolate: While bittersweet chocolate is the classic choice for this recipe, you can use semi-sweet or dark chocolate depending on your preference. You can also mix in some chocolate chunks or chips for added texture.
– Espresso powder: Instead of instant coffee granules, try using espresso powder for a stronger coffee flavor.
– Spices: Add some cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for a warm and fragrant touch.
– Fruit: Serve slices of the cake with fresh berries or sliced figs for a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
– Icing sugar: If you don’t have powdered sugar on hand to dust the cake, use regular granulated sugar instead.
Remember that these variations may alter the taste and texture of the cake, so make sure to adjust baking times and temperatures accordingly. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own!
Serving and Pairing
Once this enticing Italian chocolate walnut cake is out of the oven, it’s time to serve! I recommend sprinkling some powdered sugar over the top to give it a beautiful finish, although you can also add a dollop of whipped cream or drizzle with chocolate sauce for some extra indulgence.
This flourless dessert pairs well with a variety of drinks, such as espresso, coffee or tea. For something a little more playful, try pairing it with a glass of red wine to enhance the bittersweet flavors of the chocolate and walnuts. This rich dessert can also be served in small pieces as an elegant addition to a dessert board filled with fresh fruits, cheese and crackers.
If you’re looking to get creative with your servings, try adding fresh figs for an eye-catching presentation that perfectly complements the nutty flavor of this Italian chocolate walnut cake. The moist and fudgy texture of this torte also makes it an excellent base for experimenting with various toppings and decorations.
In conclusion, serving Italian chocolate walnut cake can be as simple or extravagant as you desire, with plenty of pairing options to experiment with. The key is to let the flavors speak for themselves and enjoy every bite.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
As with most desserts, a freshly baked Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake is usually the best way to enjoy it. However, if you want to make it ahead of time or store some leftovers, there are ways to maintain its moist and decadent texture.
Make-Ahead:
To make this cake ahead of time, simply bake and cool it completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply dust with powdered sugar and place it on your dessert platter.
Storing:
If you have leftovers, the best way to store them is also by wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and keeping it in an airtight container inside the refrigerator. This will help prevent air from drying out the cake or other odors affecting its flavor. The Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating:
Reheating Flourless Chocolate Walnut Cake is a delicate process because too much heat can cause the chocolate to seize or burn. To reheat your cake, remove it from the fridge about an hour before serving at room temperature. If you prefer to warm it up a bit, preheat your oven at 350°F/ 175°C and place your cake on a baking sheet. Warm it up in the preheated oven for about 5-10 minutes, but keep an eye on it so as not to overheat the chocolate inside. Another option is to heat slices of cake gently in the microwave for only about 15-20 seconds per slice.
Remember that reheating can dry out your cake or make the nuts lose their texture, so enjoy your leftover Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake sparingly and savor every bite!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making a flourless cake that has the perfect texture and flavor can seem like a daunting task. However, following these tips can ensure that your Italian chocolate walnut cake turns out perfectly.
Firstly, make sure to use good quality bittersweet chocolate. The better the quality of the chocolate, the richer and more decadent your cake will be. Also, be sure to use unsalted butter to avoid the cake becoming overly salty.
It’s also important to toast the walnuts before using them in the recipe. Toasting them enhances their nutty flavor and crispy texture, which contrasts beautifully with the smoothness of the chocolate.
When whipping the egg whites for this recipe, use a clean and dry mixing bowl free of any oils or fats. Even a small amount of fat can prevent the egg whites from reaching their full volume potential, resulting in a dense cake.
Another essential tip is to properly grease your cake pan with non-stick spray or butter and line it with parchment paper. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pan and falling apart when you try to remove it.
Lastly, let the cake cool completely in its pan before serving or transferring it to a serving dish. This will allow it to set properly and ensure that each slice is perfect in texture and appearance.
By following these simple tips, you will guarantee that your Italian chocolate walnut cake has a rich chocolate flavor and a perfect moist texture that every dessert lover will rave about.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves rich and decadent desserts. It’s rich in flavor and texture, yet still gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those with dietary restrictions. With the right ingredients and technique, anyone can create an impressive and delicious dessert that will leave their guests wanting more.
So why not give this recipe a try? Impress your family, friends, or guests with this classic Italian dessert that will transport them to the heart of Italy. The combination of chocolate and walnuts is truly irresistible and it’s definitely worth giving it a shot. Follow the recipe carefully and don’t hesitate to make any necessary substitutions or adjustments to suit your preferences.
Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or enjoying it as an indulgent treat on your own, this Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake is one dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth in the most decadent way possible. So grab some cocoa powder, eggs, walnuts, and other ingredients and start baking today! You won’t regret trying out this classic Italian recipe!
Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake (Flourless) Recipe
Ingredients
- 100 g butter
- 350 g bittersweet chocolate (use a good quality)
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 5 large eggs
- 250 g granulated sugar
- 130 g walnuts, divided
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, to garnish
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, to garnish
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 180°C.
- Lightly oil (or butter) a non-stick 20 cm springform pan; if yours is not non-stick, butter the bottom, line bottom with parchment paper, then butter the sides and the parchment as well.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in a heat-proof glass bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring with a wooden spoon until both are completely melted and the mixture is smooth; take the bowl off the heat (and off the pan of water).
- Mix the instant coffee granules and 3 TBS cocoa powder into the chocolate mixture and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs and the granulated sugar together for five minutes at high speed, until they are light in color and thickened.
- Grind 30 g of the walnuts in a spice or coffee mill until they become a fine powder.
- Coarsely chop the remaining walnuts.
- Stir the ground walnuts and walnut pieces into the egg mixture.
- Carefully fold the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until they are completely combined (I like to use a glass bowl so I can see that I've done so).
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Bake 40 minutes or until the top of the cake is dry.
- Turn the oven off, leaving the cake undisturbed IN THE OVEN to cool COMPLETELY.
- When the cake is cooled, remove from the oven.
- Remove the cake from the pan, remove parchment paper if used, and sprinkle with the reserved cocoa powder and powdered sugar.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Steven is a chef by heritage, so it’s no wonder why baking is such a big part of who he is. To share his passion for all things sweet, he created cookiesncrepes.com. It’s the perfect platform to indulge in delicious treats, all with a sprinkle of his signature flare.