Flourless Chocolate Cake

This Flourless Chocolate Cake has a gorgeous chocolate glaze and makes a stunning finale to any meal. And if that’s not enough, a vibrant raspberry sauces takes this decadent chocolate dessert over the top.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 55

Total Time 1

Servings slices

Calories 485kcal

Author Meggan Hill

Ingredients

For the cake:

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
3/4 cup butter cut into pieces (1 1/2 sticks)
5 large egg yolks (3 whites reserved, see note 1)
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar divided
1 tablespoon espresso (see note 2)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 large egg whites (from yolks above)

For the glaze:

1/2 cup butter cut into pieces (1 stick)
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate chopped
2 tablespoons corn syrup

For serving:

Raspberry coulis optional (see note 3)

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

To make the cake:

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray, then line it with parchment paper (I trace the outside of the pan on parchment and cut it out). Coat the parchment with nonstick spray, then dust with coca powder.
Bring a small saucepan of water to a gentle simmer over medium heat and set a glass or metal bowl over the top to create a double boiler (do not let the water touch the bowl). To the bowl, add chocolate and butter to melt, whisking until smooth and blended. Set aside and cool slightly.
In a standing mixer fit with the paddle attachment on medium-high speed, or with an electric hand mixer, add together egg yolks, 1/4 cup sugar, espresso or rum (if using), vanilla, and salt. Beat until pale and very thick.
Gradually pour in the melted chocolate mixture and beat until blended. Transfer to a large bowl and wash out the mixer bowl so you can beat the egg whites.
In a standing mixer fit with the whisk attachment on medium-high speed, or with an electric hand mixer, beat egg whites until foamy. Add remaining 2 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until medium-firm peaks form.
Scoop half the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and fold in gently. Fold in remaining egg whites until no streaks remain. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake until the cake puffs slightly and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out very moist but not liquid, about 35 minutes. Do not over-bake. Cool on a rack for at least 30 minutes.
Run a small knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the cake, then invert on to a plate. Lift off the pan and carefully peel off parchment paper. Cool completely, then cover and refrigerate until very cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.

To make the glaze:

Set a glass or metal bowl over a pot of gently simmering water to create a double boiler (do not let the water touch the bowl). To the bowl, add chocolate and butter to melt, whisking until smooth and blended.
Remove from heat and whisk in corn syrup until smooth and glossy. Set the chilled cake on a wire rack set over a baking sheet or large plate. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the center of the cake. The glaze should cover the top of the cake evenly and spill over the edges, running over the sides.
Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. Transfer to a flat serving plate. Using a thin-bladed knife, cut the cake into small slices, dipping the knife into hot water and wiping it dry before each cut. Serve with Raspberry Coulis if desired (recipe in notes).

Video

Notes

Eggs: You'll have 2 egg whites leftover after making this cake, so freeze them and label them for another use, like Lemon Meringue Pie or Schaum Torte.
Espresso: Keep a jar of instant espresso powder in the pantry for recipes like this, or you can brew some strong coffee. Or, substitute dark rum.
Raspberry coulis: In a food processor or blender, add 3 cups (12 oz) raspberries and 1/4 cup powdered sugar. Pulse until raspberries are puréed. Set a fine-mesh sieve over a small bowl and pour purée through, pressing on the mixture to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the pulp. Stir in 1 tsp lemon juice and add more powdered sugar to taste, if desired.
Yield: This recipe makes one 8-inch round cake, enough for 12 slices (more or less depending on how you cut them). The cake is very rich so you might find that a small slice is incredibly satisfying!
Storage: Store leftover cake covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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