Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
An easy and decadent flourless chocolate cake recipe that is rich, moist, and perfect for gluten-free dessert lovers. This fudgy and smooth cake delivers intense chocolate flavor without any flour, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or anyone craving a simple yet elegant chocolate dessert.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Core Ingredients
- 7 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Optional Variations
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (to boost chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunchy texture)
- Swap sugar for 3/4 cup honey (for a natural sweetener alternative)
- Dairy-free butter substitute (for vegan version)
- Fresh berries for topping (such as raspberries or strawberries)
- Prepare Your Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan thoroughly with butter, then dust it lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with granulated sugar until pale, slightly thickened, and ribbons form when the whisk is lifted—this incorporates air for a lighter texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, followed by adding vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Gently fold until fully combined, ensuring not to deflate the batter.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The cake should have a thin crust on top while remaining moist and slightly gooey in the center. Insert a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before removing. This helps the cake set and makes slicing cleaner. Serve as is or dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Notes
- Use Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor and smoother the texture.
- Egg Temperature Matters: Use room temperature eggs to help the batter incorporate air more easily.
- Be Gentle When Folding: Preserve the airiness of the eggs by folding slowly and carefully into the chocolate mixture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remove the cake while the center is still a bit soft; it will firm up while cooling.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerating for an hour enhances the fudgy texture and makes slicing neater.
- Storage: Wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Wrap in plastic wrap and foil, freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm slices gently for 10-15 seconds in microwave or bring to room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
Keywords: flourless chocolate cake, gluten free chocolate cake, fudgy chocolate cake, easy chocolate dessert, flourless dessert