Densely rich with a smooth, velvet-like texture that will melt in your mouth with each bite, this Flourless Chocolate Cake only requires a handful of ingredients and just a bit of time.
Back in the 15th century, chocolate was held with the highest regards, so much so, that the Aztecs used cocoa beans as currency. Believing it was a gift from their god, they consumed it as a refreshing beverage, an aphrodisiac, and even to prepare for war as an emergency ration. In Europe it was considered a leisurely breakfast and developed into a luxurious pastime among the aristocracy.
It's no wonder why today after all these centuries this ingredient is still savored for moments of self-indulgence, celebrations, and gestures of romance.
My first encounter with this renowned Italian dessert was at a local restaurant, and over ten years later, I'm still thinking about that slice of decadence.
The flourless chocolate cake is basically baked chocolate custard resulting in a richly dense dessert, so a little goes a long way with this one. Each bite, literally just melts in your mouth and what's more is that it is a naturally gluten-free cake.
What sets this recipe apart from the others is the added splash of spiced rum and the zest of an orange which plays beautifully into the dark chocolate.
For today's recipe I recommend using at least 75% or 80% cocoa dark chocolate. You don't want to be left with an overly sweet cake since it's already rich enough.
For garnish, I dusted mine with confectioner's sugar though you could also dust it with cocoa powder, and of course, a dollop of whipped cream is always a welcomed topping.
More Chocolate Indulgences from LTG
Chocolate Shard Shortbreads - Buttery shortbread cookies are speckled with shards of bitter-sweet chocolate and Saigon cinnamon for a deliciously complex treat that pairs perfectly with tea or coffee.
Creamy Chocolate Roll - Light and airy, this roll cake is filled with a whipped honey cream & almond frosting.
Chocolate Bundt with Nutella Cream - Cloaked in a whipped Nutella frosting, this super moist and light chocolate cake is perfect for all occasions.
Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter,softened
- 1/2 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup 75% or 80% dark chocolate
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons superfine sugar
- Zest of 1 medium orange
- 2 teaspoons dark rum
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 6 inch cake pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- In the bowl of your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat butter and confectioner's sugar.
- In a double-boiler, melt down chocolate with orange zest. Once the chocolate has melted add the rum and stir. Add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture beat until smooth. Add egg yolks, one at a time, until incorporate then beat on high until the batter is a whipped consistency.
- In a separate bowl, beat egg whites into soft peaks. Add the superfine sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the whipped batter.
- Transfer the cake batter to the prepare cake pan and bake for about 20 minutes, until the cake tester comes out clean. Transfer the cake to a wire rack and let cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with confectioner's sugar or cocoa powder. Serve and enjoy!
Keywords: dessert, cake, gluten free, flourless chocolate cake, chocolate, chocolate cake
DAVID J MYERS says
Catherine, Great looking chocolate cake! Love the dark chocolate and any cake that is nice and moist... We've never baked a flourless cake but based on this beauty, we should and soon too! Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Talya Stone says
My neighbour once made me one of these and it was divine! Definitely the most decadently scrumptious of chocolate cakes.
★★★★★
Marysa says
I have definitely never tried making a flourless cake. Sounds like it is delicious! I'll have to give it a try.
Heather says
I've been wanting to make a flourless cake for a while now. I can't wait to try this recipe!
Melanie Edjourian says
This sounds lovely. Who doesn't love a velvety smooth chocolate cake. I love the addition of the orange zest and rum to add flavour.
★★★★★
Lavanda Michelle says
I have to try this Flourless Chocolate Cake. It looks so delicious.
Mosaic Tiles says
This looks so so good, I can't wait to make it, can't wait. I love chocolate.
Risa Lopez says
That looks so yummy! I would love to try it. Thank you for the recipe. I wrote it down so I can make it this weekend when my mom arrives.
★★★★★
Yeah Lifestyle says
Looks like the perfect recipe to make this weekend as we are having friends over for a meal
★★★★★
Rosey says
Dusting with confectioners sugar is just the right touch. It adds a nice touch of elegance to this pretty (and delicious sounding) cake.