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Torta Paesana with Amaretti and Chocolate

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This Torta Paesana with Amaretti and Chocolate is a rustic Italian bread pudding cake made with stale bread, milk, raisins, orange zest, and dark chocolate. The addition of crushed amaretti cookies and pine nuts gives it a fragrant almond flavor and a rich, moist texture — a comforting dessert that celebrates simplicity and tradition.

Ingredients

300 g stale bread, cut into small cubes

1 liter whole milk

2 medium eggs

120 g hard amaretti cookies

100 g dark chocolate

120 g granulated sugar

70 g raisins

50 g pine nuts

Zest and juice of one orange

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch (25 cm) cake pan.
  2. Warm the milk in a saucepan over low heat until hot but not boiling.
  3. Place the bread cubes in a large bowl and add the orange zest. Pour the warm milk over the bread and stir to combine. Cover and let soak for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Meanwhile, soak the raisins in the freshly squeezed orange juice and set aside.
  5. Crush the amaretti cookies into a fine powder using a blender or by sealing them in a bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
  6. Melt the dark chocolate in a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave until smooth.
  7. Stir the crushed amaretti and melted chocolate into the soaked bread mixture.
  8. Beat the eggs lightly and add them to the mixture, followed by the sugar and pine nuts. Mix well to combine.
  9. Drain the raisins, discard the leftover orange juice, and fold the raisins into the mixture.
  10. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
  11. Bake for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  12. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before removing it to a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired.

Notes

Add a splash of rum or almond extract for extra aroma.

Replace raisins with dried cherries or cranberries for a tangy twist.

Mix in chopped nuts such as walnuts or hazelnuts for added crunch.

Serve with whipped cream, gelato, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://chocolatecoveredamy.com/torta-paesana-with-amaretti-and-chocolate/