A typical Vicentine cake with a… bold name!

Today we present a recipe for a cake with a truly peculiar name that might raise some eyebrows among the more traditional-minded: Torta Putana. The thing is: in Italian, “putana” is a vulgar term for a woman of loose morals. But don’t worry: “putana” in this case is not a swear word, but an exclamation that gave this cake its name in the Vicenza countryside tradition.

It’s a waste-not recipe that lets you give stale bread a second life instead of throwing it away, a practice that not only saves money but also carries deep ethical meaning. But where does this unusual name come from?

The origins of a quirky name

According to local folklore, the name “Torta Putana” comes from a story that took place in a well-known restaurant in Piazza delle Erbe in Vicenza. The chef had created a dessert, but hadn’t named it yet. It was November, and suddenly, the lights went out—a common occurrence in the winter months. In the complete silence and darkness, there was a loud sound of breaking plates. When the lights returned, the cause was revealed: a waiter carrying the cake, ordered by a quiet and distinguished customer, had tripped and dropped the plate. However, luck had it that the dessert remained intact on the customer’s table. “La Putana!” exclaimed the surprised customer. That’s when the chef, with a big smile, declared: “That’s the name of my cake!”