Flourless chocolate cake topped with dark chocolate ganache is a gluten-free and very decadent dessert. Even though I'm a health conscious mom, there's a place for this at the table sometimes.
"This tastes better than any cake I'd order at a fancy restaurant!" -DH (Darling Husband)
Since then, he has tried Flourless Orange Chocolate Cake and is has trouble choosing a favorite.
At first it seemed wrong to post such a decadent recipe today. I'm on the verge of taking on the 30 day #MushroomMakeover challenge. Mardi Gras is over. And, my youngest dd is allergic to eggs and wasn't able to enjoy this one at all.
But, upon further reflection, it is the perfect time for me.
Enjoy a Piece of Flourless Chocolate Cake...Sometimes
I've long believed that nothing is off limits when it comes to your diet. Eat wholesome, delicious foods that are good for your body most of the time. Splurge on occasion and make sure it is something you really enjoy. Don't go crazy and everything will be just fine. I've been craving this dessert and decided it was time to indulge. I made this recipe mostly for me.
I've never made a flourless chocolate cake before. Springform cake pans, water baths, endless egg whisking...it seemed a risky project and too much work was involved! Then, I ran across this recipe by Whole Foods. It's straightforward, simple and delicious.
My older dd and I thoroughly enjoyed a piece of this flourless chocolate cake before it was topped with anything at all. (By the way, this happens to be the reason I don't have a picture of the full cake...too much experimentation.) A light dusting of powdered sugar is perfectly enjoyable. Adding strawberries (or raspberries) fully completes this extravagance.
But, we decided to take the decadence over the top with a layer of dark chocolate ganache. The final product was, shall we say...out of this world.
It's so rich and chocolatey...that I can...I must...stop at just one sliver. So, it's not a diet buster after all. I'm totally satisfied and can move on...content and totally at peace with the world. 🙂
Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache
Ingredients
Flourless Chocolate Cake
- 8 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate
- 1 cup butter (2 sticks)
- 1 ¼ cups sugar
- 6 eggs
- 1 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar berries or ganache
Ganache
- 4 ounces bittersweet dark chocolate
- 3 Tablespoons butter
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Line the bottom of a spring form pan with parchment paper.
- Spray the sides of the pan and the parchment paper with cooking spray.
- Melt the chocolate and butter in saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring to fully combine.
- Transfer chocolate butter mixture to a large bowl.
- Add sugar and mix to combine.
- Add eggs one at a time whisking thoroughly into mixture before adding the next egg. The mixture will become increasingly thicker.
- Add cocoa powder in quarter cup increments until combined.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes for a 9 inch round pan or 25-30 minutes for a 10 inch round pan or until cake is firm in the center.
- Cool for about 10 minutes and then invert and turn onto a plate, removing the sides of the pan.
- Discard parchment paper.
- Top with powdered sugar, berries or ganache
Ganache
- Melt butter and chocolate in a saucepan and stir to thoroughly combine.
- Stir in remaining ingredients.
- Set aside to cool slightly.
- Pour glaze over cake, using a spatula to spread over top and sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Enjoy!
Lisa A
Step 6. What sugar? I only see powdered optional.
Marjory
Updated! Sorry for the confusion and thanks for letting me know!
Jen
There is not butter listed in the ganache recipe, but it is in the first step. How much butter?
Marjory
Thanks for your note! 3 Tablespoons.
Heide M.
Your cake sounds tasty, wish I had a slice.
dina
i love the richness of flourless chocolate cakes. this looks amazing!
Marjory
Thanks! It's definitely decadent!
Grace
This recipe is by far the best chocolate cake I have ever eaten or made. So so so rich and delicious! Every time I make it I get rave reviews and it couldn't be easier! I highly highly recommend to anyone! I add sea salt on top of the ganache for an extension ra zing! To die for!!!
Marjory
I'm so glad you liked it! Definitely adding a little sea salt next time!
Paula B.
I searched high and low for a variation on the usual flourless chocolate cake recipe I make and found yours. It came together beautifully and the topping was so simple and delish. Everyone wanted another piece to take home! One problem, though, the cake sank slightly on top - yours looked so even, do you ever have this happen to you?
Marjory
Thanks so much for your comment! I have not experienced the top sinking, but I'm wondering if it needed to cook just a bit longer?
Paula B.
I followed the directions and it certainly appeared thoroughly cooked when sliced. No worries, the main thing was how unbelievably good it tasted. And, that ganache was so decadent yet easy to make, I am going to use it with some of my other recipes as I don't always have cream in the house.
Anne
Made this cake for Christmas, and of course, it was a hit! Was so glad it was shared with me, as I am gluten-free. No way to improve on it - it's perfect! Sharing your recipe, and can't wait to make it again1
Marjory
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Wendellyn Plummer
I am so excited to make this. My Mother's 91st birthday is coming and I am GF. It is very hard to get a GF desert in Restaurants. I will be doing a dry run tomorrow. Thank you in advance!!!!
Marjory
I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Karen
I made this for the first time last night for company and it was a huge hit. My husband said it was better than any flourless chocolate cake he has had in any restaurant.
Marjory
I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for your feedback...made my day!
morgue anna
Do you have suggestions to turning this into a springform mini recipe? I have 4" mini springform pans to make individual desserts to take to friends. How could I convert the baking time of this recipe? thank you!
Marjory
Hi! I have not tried this, but you should be able to divide the batter between smaller pans. Keep an eye on the cook time as it may take less time. Good luck!
Sandi
Hi! I couldn’t find what size of spring form pan...9”?
Marjory
Hi! Yes 9 inch spring form pan. A 10 inch pan will also work, just adjust the time down about 5-7 minutes.
Sandi
Thank you!!!
Judi Hubbard
Can I make this day prior to serving ??
Marjory
Hi! Absolutely this can be made in advance and stores well.
Jennifer
I wanted to make something that's not the norm for me. I'm always on the hunt for GF recipes as my sister is GF in her diet. I'm the experimenter,if it's good I pass it on to her.
Not only was this cake super easy to put it together but oh so rich and beautiful looking.
I love the idea of a ganche with honey in it.
I baked mine for 40 minutes using a 9 inch springform pan.
Everyone loved it, simply amazing!
Marjory
Yay! I'm thrilled that you liked it! I recently tried it using dark orange chocolate barks and it was delicious too...in case you want to experiment some more!!!
Mady Starke
In the recipe for the cake, is it 1 cup *and* 2 sticks of butter, or 1 cup=2 sticks of butter?
Marjory
Hi! 1 cup usually equals 2 traditional sticks of butter, but always check the packaging.
Jeanna
My husband has been describing an extremely dense and super chocolatey cake for years. I have probably bought dozens of them and made dozens as well. This is the only cake that is exactly what he was looking for! I am so thankful for your post! It’s going to be my new holiday bring!
Marjory Pilley
Thank ou so much for sharing! I'm so glad you found it!
Trish Gaudio
Concerning the chocolate...I'm confused...is it bittersweet chocolate or dark..or are they the same thing? I guess it would help me to know the percentage of cacao in the particular chocolate you used.
Marjory Pilley
Hi! I usually use 70% cacao chocolate bars in this recipe. I used Lindt in this case! I hope you enjoy it!