Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1 tablespoon espresso coffee
- 1 cup ground almonds, firmly packed
- pinch of salt
- confectioners' sugar for dusting
- Grease and line an 8-inch springform pan with parchment paper.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Melt chocolate over a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat butter until creamy, then add sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Add egg yolks one at a time.
- Add cooled melted chocolate and vanilla or coffee. Stir in the ground almonds and salt.
- In another bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form then gently fold them into the chocolate mixture..
- Pour mixture into prepared cake pan and bake at 400°F for 10 minutes. Lower temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 7 to 10 minutes until barely set. Do not overcook or the torte will be dry.
- Remove cake from oven and set the pan on a wet cloth. Run a round-bladed knife or metal spatula around the side of the pan to loosen the cake. Leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then gently unmold onto a serving plate.
- Dust cake with confectioners' sugar and serve warm with whipped cream .