Rich and Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake
Make this intensely chocolatey, naturally gluten-free cake. It is simple to prepare and results in a dense, fudgy texture perfect for special occasions.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Total Time: 55 min
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- For Ganache: 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- For Ganache: 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt the 8 ounces of chopped chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 3 minutes.
- Beat the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt into the yolk mixture. Gently fold in the cooled chocolate mixture until just combined.
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold one-third of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate batter to lighten it. Then, fold in the remaining egg whites until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The edges will look set, but the center will still be soft.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. The cake will sink slightly as it cools.
- To make the ganache, place the 4 ounces of chopped chocolate in a small bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it sit for 5 minutes. Whisk until smooth.
- Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the ganache set before slicing.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chocolate with 70% cacao content or higher.
- You can dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar instead of using ganache for a simpler finish.
- This cake is naturally gluten-free and dense; do not expect a light, airy texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 19
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0.5
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 8
- Cholesterol: 150