This simple cake is light and airy, not too sweet and tastes as delicious when fresh as when toasted. We Italians like to dunk the Torta semplice into our coffee, a hot cocoa or a glass of cold milk. And the best thing: in Italy, this traditional cake is never out of season!
Cake for breakfast
In most Italian households, this simple cake is baked at the weekend—so the whole family can enjoy it for Sunday breakfast. Placed under a bell jar, the cake will stay fresh for up to a week—if it’s not eaten beforehand!
The simple cake also goes perfectly with afternoon tea or coffee and is a perfect quick snack between meals.
If you notice it getting a little dry towards the end of the week, cut the cake into slices, toast these slices, and spread them with butter and jam or honey. Delicious!
Why Italian cakes have to be dry
In the past, only the rich were able to afford a sweet breakfast with cake or biscuits. Up until the 1950s, the poorer people of Italy ate a hearty breakfast that was eaten late in the morning. They used to dunk bread or polenta in a cup of milk or milk soup. A slice of salami or a piece of cheese was served. But one thing united rich and poor: dunking baked goods into some kind of liquid because they were often dry and hard. Nowadays, the dunking has become more of a cherished habit than a necessity in Italy. And this is exactly why most traditional cakes and biscuits tend to be dry and prepared without cream.
Torta Semplice: The Everyday Cake That Feels Like a Warm Hug
Imagine a cake so simple yet so inviting, it feels like home with every bite. The Torta Semplice is not just a recipe; it’s a ritual—a gentle pause in your day. Whether you’re savoring it with your morning coffee or taking a quiet moment in the afternoon, this cake’s soft texture and delicate sweetness bring comfort to any occasion.
Making this cake is as satisfying as enjoying it. The aroma of eggs and milk chocolate wafting from your oven transforms your kitchen into a cozy retreat.t. The few simple ingredients come together effortlessly, reminding you that the best pleasures in life are often the simplest.
Let the act of preparing this cake be a moment of mindfulness—a chance to slow down, whisk with care, and create something delightful. Share it with loved ones, or keep it just for yourself as your go-to treat. Either way, the Torta Semplice promises to turn ordinary moments into something special.
📖 Recipe
Torta semplice – simple cake
Ingredients
- 290 g flour
- 300 g sugar
- 7 eggs
- 200 ml milk, lukewarm
- ½ pack baking powder
- 100 ml oil
- 200 g milk chocolate
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 170°C (upper and lower heat). Line a baking tin (Ø 26 cm and approx. 10 cm high) with baking paper. Mix together flour and baking powder. Sieve the mixture so that the baking powder is evenly distributed. Separate the eggs. Beat the egg whites with half of the sugar until stiff.
- Beat the egg yolks with the other half of the sugar until you create a light-coloured mixture. Alternately, add flour and milk to the mixture. Then, add the salt. Gradually stir in the oil, one-third at a time. Make sure to wait until the dough has fully absorbed the first third of oil before adding the next. Finally, carefully fold in the beaten egg white with a whisk.
- Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or in a microwave, and let it cool down for a while. In the meantime, pour the dough into the baking tin. Pour the chocolate over the surface of the cake and immediately draw a star-shaped pattern onto it with a small stick (a chopstick would be perfect) – this will look like a small decoration once the cake is baked. Bake the torta in a pre-heated oven for 70-75 minutes (don’t forget the toothpick test). Leave it to cool and enjoy!
Nutrition
I Want to Hear from You!
Did you try the Torta Semplice? How did it make your day brighter? Share your thoughts, tweaks, or even your serving suggestions! Leave a comment below and join a community that loves savoring life, one slice at a time. 🌟
Buon appetito!
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