Torta Russa di Verona – A Sweet Italian Classic
The Torta Russa di Verona is a delightful Italian dessert that captures the essence of Verona in every bite. Known for its tender crumb and rich flavor, this cake combines a mixture of almonds, amaretti biscuits, and a subtle hint of almond essence. This dessert is perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or whenever you want to bring a touch of Italy to your kitchen. This recipe is easy to make and will leave you with a cake that has a crispy, golden top and a soft, moist interior.
Recipe Details:
- Category: Desserts
- Servings: 8
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious cake:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour (Farina 00) | 170g |
| Granulated sugar (Zucchero) | 150g |
| Butter (Burro) | 100g |
| Amaretti biscuits (Amaretti) | 100g |
| Almonds (Mandorle) | 100g |
| Eggs (Uova) | 168g |
| Baking powder (Lievito in polvere per dolci) | 8g |
| Salt (Sale fino) | A pinch |
| Almond essence (Aroma alla mandorla) | 1 tsp |
| Puff pastry (Pasta Sfoglia) | 230g |
| Powdered sugar (Zucchero a velo) | As needed for decoration |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Butter:
- Begin by gently melting the butter over low heat. Stir occasionally until fully melted, then set it aside to cool slightly while you continue with the rest of the preparation.
-
Process the Almonds and Amaretti:
- In a food processor, grind the almonds into a fine powder, adding a small portion of the granulated sugar (taken from the total amount) to help the almonds process smoothly.
- In a separate bowl, crumble the amaretti biscuits by hand into small pieces. Set both aside.
-
Beat the Eggs and Sugar:
- In a mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer to beat the eggs with the remaining sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color. This step is crucial for achieving a fluffy texture in the cake.
-
Combine the Ingredients:
- Slowly drizzle the melted butter into the egg and sugar mixture, continuing to beat gently. Once combined, add the ground almonds, the crumbled amaretti, flour, baking powder, and almond essence. Mix everything together until smooth and well incorporated.
-
Prepare the Cake Pan:
- Line a 20 cm round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper rises slightly above the sides of the pan. This will help the cake bake evenly and prevent any overflow during cooking. Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
-
Baking the Cake:
- Place the pan in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; if the top begins to darken too quickly, move it to a lower rack or cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will ensure the cake bakes evenly without burning on top.
-
Cooling and Serving:
- Once the cake is baked to a golden perfection, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan. It’s important to let it cool down fully to avoid any crumbling when removing it from the pan.
-
Finishing Touches:
- When the cake has cooled, gently remove it from the pan and place it on a serving platter. Dust the top with powdered sugar for a classic, elegant finish. This simple yet delightful decoration adds the final touch to your Torta Russa di Verona.
Serving Suggestions
- This cake is best enjoyed with a cup of espresso or a light dessert wine.
- It pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream if you desire a richer treat.
- You can even add a few slivers of almonds on top for extra texture and a touch of luxury.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugars | 18g |
| Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
Tips for Success
- Baking Time: Always check the cake towards the end of the baking time to ensure it doesn’t overcook. If a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, your cake is ready.
- Amaretti Substitution: If you cannot find amaretti biscuits, you can substitute them with crushed ladyfingers or another type of biscotti, but the flavor may slightly change.
- Flavor Variations: For an added twist, try using orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract in place of the almond essence to experiment with different flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Torta Russa di Verona is a wonderful example of Italian baking at its finest, with rich almond and amaretto flavors coming together in a soft, moist cake. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Its subtle sweetness and delicate texture make it a standout dessert that’s as beautiful to serve as it is to taste. Enjoy every bite, and bring a piece of Verona to your kitchen with this timeless treat!
