Description
This Flourless Chocolate Cake is a decadent, fudgy dessert perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a rich and elegant treat. Made without any flour, it features melted semisweet chocolate, cocoa powder, and whipped cream folded into the batter for a luscious texture. Chilled overnight, it develops a velvety interior and is served dusted with powdered sugar and topped with fresh berries and whipped cream or ice cream for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups (213 grams) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 stick (113 grams) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 cup (43 grams) Dutch-process cocoa powder
Whipped Cream
- ½ cup (120 grams) heavy cream (chilled)
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Freshly whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or 1:1 ganache
- Fresh strawberries or raspberries
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a light-colored 8-inch round, 3-inch deep cake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Place a parchment paper round on the bottom of the pan and spray again to ensure easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, heat the semisweet chocolate chips and unsalted butter in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until just barely melted. Stir until the mixture is completely smooth.
- Mix Sugar and Flavorings: Whisk the granulated sugar, instant espresso powder (if using), fine sea salt, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Add Eggs: Add the 3 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk all at once to the chocolate mixture. Vigorously whisk until the batter is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Incorporate Cocoa Powder: Whisk in the Dutch-process cocoa powder until just combined. The batter will be thick and glossy.
- Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer or immersion blender fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the chilled heavy cream in a small, deep bowl to medium peaks.
- Fold in Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the chocolate batter using a rubber spatula until the mixture is uniform and no streaks remain.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cake has puffed, edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly, and the internal temperature reaches at least 200°F as checked with an instant-read thermometer.
- Cool the Cake: Remove from the oven and cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. The cake will deflate slightly. Loosen edges with a thin flexible knife or offset spatula to help with unmolding. Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
- Refrigerate: Cover the cooled cake and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. The cake can be kept refrigerated covered for up to 3 days and is best served chilled.
- Serve: To serve, transfer the cake to a serving plate. Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between slices to cut the cake. Dust with powdered sugar through a fine mesh strainer. Top each slice with freshly whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or ganache along with fresh strawberries or raspberries. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Flourless Chocolate Cake is perfect for chocolate lovers craving a fudgy, rich dessert that’s easy to make yet elegant.
- The optional espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
- Using Dutch-process cocoa powder provides a deep, smooth chocolate taste and affects the cake’s texture.
- Be sure to chill the heavy cream before whipping for best results.
- Letting the cake rest overnight in the fridge improves its texture and richness.
- Use a light-colored cake pan and parchment paper to ensure even cooking and easy release.
- Cut slices with a warm knife to achieve clean, neat pieces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
