Rose Cake (Torta delle Rose)
Category: Yeast Breads
Servings: 1
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Resting Time: 2 hours
Baking Time: 40 minutes
This beautiful Italian Rose Cake, known as Torta delle Rose, is a charming dessert that combines soft, fragrant dough with a hint of orange, sweet jam, and almond cream. Its layered, rose-shaped design makes it both a visual and culinary delight. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat with afternoon tea, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a luxurious dessert. Here’s how to make this delicate and flavorful cake that will surely impress everyone at your table.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Manitoba flour (strong flour) | 500g |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 7g |
| Milk | 200ml |
| Fresh yeast | 10g |
| Orange zest | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 tablespoon |
| Sugar | 80g |
| Butter (softened) | 200g (100g for dough, 100g for filling) |
| Orange marmalade | 200g |
| Almond flour | 100g |
| Fresh cream (liquid) | 4 tablespoons |
| Egg yolk | 1 |
| Sliced almonds | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by crumbling the fresh yeast into a small bowl. Add a splash of lukewarm milk and a teaspoon of honey, then stir to dissolve the yeast. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, allowing it to activate and become bubbly.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook, combine the Manitoba flour, the yeast mixture, the remaining milk, and the grated zest of the orange. Start mixing at low speed to incorporate the ingredients, then gradually add the eggs one at a time. Continue mixing until the dough begins to come together.
Slowly incorporate small pieces of softened butter into the dough, a little at a time, allowing each piece to be absorbed before adding the next. This will create a smooth and elastic dough. Knead for about 10 minutes or until the dough is soft, silky, and no longer sticky.
Step 3: Allow the Dough to Rise
Transfer the dough into a lightly oiled bowl and cover it with a clean cloth. Let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size. The rising process is essential to achieve that airy, light texture.
Step 4: Prepare the Almond Cream Filling
While the dough is rising, prepare the almond cream. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the almond flour and fresh cream at room temperature and continue mixing until well combined. Finally, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Step 5: Roll and Shape the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Roll it out into a large rectangle, approximately 60 cm long and 40-45 cm wide, with a thickness of about 2 mm.
Spread the orange marmalade evenly over the dough, followed by a layer of the almond cream. Be sure to leave a small border around the edges so that the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll the dough.
Step 6: Roll and Slice the Dough
Carefully roll the dough from the long side, forming a tight log. Once you have rolled it completely, cut it into 12 even pieces, each about 4-5 cm thick.
Step 7: Arrange the Rolls in the Pan
Grease and flour a 28 cm round cake pan. Start placing the dough pieces around the edge of the pan, ensuring that there is a little space between each piece so they have room to expand during baking. Fill the center of the pan with 3-4 additional dough pieces.
Step 8: Add Almonds and Final Rise
Sprinkle sliced almonds over the top of the rolls for a lovely crunch and additional flavor. Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30 minutes, allowing the rolls to puff up and become more compact.
Step 9: Bake the Rose Cake
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the Rose Cake from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving. The soft, sweet aroma of the orange marmalade, vanilla, and almond cream will fill your kitchen, making this cake even more irresistible.
Serve it warm or at room temperature, and enjoy a slice of this delicate, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this Rose Cake will bring joy and smiles to everyone who tries it.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the yeast is fresh and activated properly to ensure the dough rises well.
- You can substitute orange marmalade with apricot or peach jam for a different flavor.
- If you prefer a stronger almond taste, you can add a few drops of almond extract to the almond cream mixture.
Enjoy making this elegant Torta delle Rose, and don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll be amazed at how delicious and beautiful it is!
