Torta Tenerina: A Heavenly Flourless Chocolate Cake
Torta Tenerina, a classic Italian dessert hailing from the city of Ferrara, is a rich, velvety chocolate cake that is guaranteed to satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings. With a delicate balance of fudgy texture and a rich, deep chocolate flavor, it’s perfect for any occasion. This simple yet decadent dessert comes together with just a few ingredients, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite. Below, we walk you through the process of preparing this delightful dessert for the ultimate indulgence.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark chocolate | 200g |
| Unsalted butter | 100g |
| Eggs | 4 |
| Granulated sugar | 150g |
| All-purpose flour (00) | 50g |
| Powdered sugar (for dusting) | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 20g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate and Butter
Begin by finely chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces, which will help it melt more easily. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl or a “bastardella” (a small metal or glass bowl). Set this bowl over a pot of simmering water (this is known as a bagnomaria, or double-boiling method). Ensure that the water doesn’t touch the bowl of chocolate, as this could cause the chocolate to seize. Gently stir the chocolate as it melts.
Once the chocolate has fully melted, take it off the heat. Add the butter, cut into small cubes, and stir it into the chocolate. The residual heat from the melted chocolate will help the butter dissolve smoothly. Be sure to mix continuously until the butter is completely incorporated, creating a smooth, glossy chocolate mixture.
Step 2: Separate the Eggs and Prepare the Sugar Mixtures
While the chocolate and butter mixture is cooling, it’s time to separate the eggs. Crack the eggs and carefully separate the yolks from the whites, placing them into two separate bowls.
Take the egg whites and add half of the granulated sugar (75g). Using an electric mixer, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. This will provide the necessary structure to create the airy, light texture of the cake.
In the other bowl, add the remaining granulated sugar to the egg yolks. Beat the yolks and sugar together until the mixture turns pale and becomes light and fluffy. This will help incorporate air into the cake and ensure it rises perfectly while baking.
Step 3: Combine the Mixtures
Once the chocolate-butter mixture has cooled slightly (it should be warm, not hot), gradually pour it into the egg yolk-sugar mixture while continuously mixing. The goal here is to achieve a smooth, uniform batter without cooking the egg yolks.
Next, gently fold in the beaten egg whites, one-third at a time, into the chocolate mixture. Be careful not to deflate the egg whites, as their airiness will give the cake its signature light, moist texture. Use a spatula and fold the mixture from the bottom up, ensuring the egg whites are fully incorporated before adding the next third.
Step 4: Add the Flour
Once the egg whites are fully incorporated, sift the flour into the batter. This will prevent clumps from forming and ensure that the flour is evenly distributed. Gently fold the flour into the batter until smooth. The result should be a rich, dense, and glossy chocolate mixture.
Step 5: Prepare the Pan
Next, prepare your 23cm round cake pan by greasing it with butter and lightly dusting it with flour. You can also line the pan with parchment paper for extra insurance against sticking. This will make it much easier to remove the Torta Tenerina from the pan once baked.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. The use of a fan-assisted oven (ventilated mode) is not recommended as it could cause the outside of the cake to cook too quickly, leaving the inside undercooked.
Pour the prepared batter into the greased and floured cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place the pan in the middle of the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when the top is set but still slightly wobbly in the center. A toothpick inserted into the cake should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the Torta Tenerina to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully remove it from the pan and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
Before serving, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant finish. This classic decoration enhances the cake’s rich chocolate flavor and adds a touch of sophistication.
Tips for the Perfect Torta Tenerina:
- Chocolate Quality: Since chocolate is the star ingredient in this cake, choose a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Torta Tenerina is known for its soft, almost molten center. Be sure to check the cake with a toothpick around the 30-minute mark to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
- Serving Suggestions: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can also pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Fresh berries such as raspberries or strawberries also complement the rich chocolate beautifully.
- Make Ahead: This cake can be made a day in advance. In fact, the flavors develop even more after a night of resting. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve its tenderness.
Why You’ll Love Torta Tenerina:
This cake is truly a chocolate lover’s dream. Its dense, fudgy interior paired with a delicate, slightly crisp outer layer creates a rich and indulgent treat. Torta Tenerina has a unique texture that is both creamy and airy at the same time, with a deep chocolate flavor that is not overly sweet, making it a perfect dessert to end a meal. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for both novice and experienced bakers alike.
Enjoy this traditional Italian dessert with family and friends, and let its melt-in-your-mouth goodness leave a lasting impression!
Torta Tenerina is the perfect dessert to make when you want something simple yet extraordinary. Whether it’s for a special occasion, a dinner party, or just a treat to enjoy with your loved ones, this cake will surely delight everyone with its irresistibly rich texture and decadent flavor.
