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There are recipes that are the result of years of study, trial after trial, and precise balancing down to the milligram…
And then there’s the Torta Caprese, born of a spectacular slip-up and, ironically, has become one of the most beloved cakes in the world.
It’s the 1920s, in the fragrant heart of the island of Capri. Our protagonist is Carmine Di Fiore, a talented chef but—let’s face it—a bit flustered that day. The reason?
He had to bake a dessert for three “special clients”: American gangsters who had come all the way to Capri on business with… Al Capone.
Overcome by nerves (it’s no easy task to work knowing that one botched cake could cost you more than a Michelin star!), Carmine forgets the key ingredient: flour.
He bakes it anyway, perhaps out of desperation or perhaps on instinct.
And… plot twist: the cake turns out perfect!
Crispy on the outside, moist on the inside, buttery and melt-in-your-mouth like a well-kept secret.
The three Americans licked their lips and immediately asked, “Give us the recipe!”
From that day on, that “mistaken cake” took the name Caprese, after its island. And from there, it sets off on a culinary journey that will take it everywhere, from the Amalfi Coast to the tables of food lovers around the world. A gluten-free cake without even knowing it, loved by those with celiac disease and by anyone who dreams of a rich yet elegant dessert. Riding the wave of its success, even the great pastry chefs have drawn inspiration from it. Master pastry chef Sal De Riso has reinterpreted it in a summer version using lemons from the Amalfi Coast: thus was born the Lemon Caprese, light, fresh, and wonderfully fragrant.
The Caprese cake is simple, authentic, created without pretension, and touches everyone’s heart (and stomach). It’s proof that mistakes can be wonderful—in the kitchen as in life.
Sitting on the terrace of Villa Coralia, with a breathtaking view that takes in the entire Amalfi Coast, every bite of Caprese seems to tell a story. A story of sunshine, almonds, the scent of chocolate in the air, and that sweetness that melts in your mouth—and in your heart.
And let’s face it…
What could be more wonderful than sinking your fork into a slice of Caprese while outside the sun sets over the sea along the Amalfi Coast?
Perhaps only doing it all over again tomorrow.
We look forward to welcoming you to Villa Coralia to share with you this experience of beauty, flavor, and authentic Sorrento hospitality.
And if you’d like, you can also discover the secrets of the authentic Torta Caprese through our exclusive cooking classes, led by a chef.