Ask Chef Dennis

  • Recipe Index
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • About
×
Home » Recipes » Chocolate Dessert Recipes

Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

Published: Jul 6, 2022 · Modified: May 28, 2025 by Chef Dennis Littley

117
SHARES
Facebook117PinterestFlipboard
Jump to Recipe Listen to the Post

My flourless chocolate cake is rich, creamy, and decadent! Not to mention sinfully delicious and the perfect dessert for any celebration.

Also known as Torta Caprese (which includes almond flour) in Italy, this fudgy, chocolaty dessert is naturally Gluten-Free.

Slice of flourless chocolate cake on a white plate topped with whipped cream and raspberries.
Table of Contents:
  • Audio Player
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!
  • Recipe: Flourless Chocolate Cake

Audio Player



 

My flourless chocolate cake is a restaurant-style dessert that most people would think is too difficult to make at home. It’s really pretty easy to make and only requires a few ingredients.

The decorated cake with a slice being removed.

This is one of my all-time favorite chocolate desserts. There are lots of different flourless cake recipes out there, but my easy recipe is every bit as good and requires less work to make.

If you’re a chocolate lover, my French chocolate mousse and chocolate mud cake are other chocolate recipes you should try.

Ingredients

Ingredients require to make the recipe prepared on the counter.

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make a flourless chocolate cake. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place” which translates to “Everything in its Place”.

Not only does setting your ingredients up ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

What kind of chocolate should I use?

I always recommend using the best chocolate you can find at your grocery store, although sometimes you’re at the mercy of what’s available. The only chocolate I would avoid using to make this type of cake are chocolate chips (they have added wax to keep their shape).

I look for Ghiradelli, Lindt, Green & Blacks, and if you have access to Callebaut or Valharona, they would be my first choices for the best quality chocolate.

I generally use semi-sweet chocolate for this type of cake, but you can use half semi-sweet and half bitter-sweet (dark chocolate) for a more intense chocolate flavor.

How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake

Follow along with my numbered instructions below to see how to make flourless chocolate cake.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper after placing in the pan.

Four images showing how to melt the chocolate for the cake.
  • Add the sugar and water to a medium bowl.
  • In the microwave or on the stovetop mix ¾ cup of sugar with the ⅓ cup of water and heat until the sugar is completely melted.
  • If you’re using the stovetop double boiler method add the chopped chocolate to the sugar-water mixture to a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water.
  • Stir the chocolate until it is almost completely melted.
Four images showing the next steps in making the flourless cake.
  • When the chocolate is mostly melted add in the butter.
  • Stir the mixture until all the chocolate is melted and the butter has been fully incorporated into the chocolate. (Allow to cool while you’re preparing the eggs).
  • Add the room temperature eggs and the remaining ¼ cup of sugar to another mixing bowl.
  • Beat the eggs and sugar using an electric mixer on high until the eggs double in volume (approx 3-4 minutes)

It’s important to use good quality unsalted butter for this recipe. I recommend Kerrygold, Plugara, or Land O’Lakes (in that order).

Four images showing the final steps to make the cake.
  • Add the whipped egg mixture to the melted chocolate mixture.
  • Fold the whipped eggs into the melted chocolate until well blended.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan.
  • Place the pan in a larger baking dish and add enough water to reach 1 inch up the side of the springform pan.

Line the pan with parchment and grease the pan and the parchment. This will make removing the cake from the pan a lot easier.

Baked cake in the pan.

Place the cake pan in the water bath on the center rack of the 350-degree F. preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes or until the cake is set.

  • Refrigerate the cake in the springform pan overnight (cover the pan with plastic wrap; don’t let it touch the surface of the cake)
  • After setting overnight, run a sharp knife along the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cake. Then, carefully open the springform pan
Whole decorated cake served on a white platter.

Decorate the cake with my whipped cream recipe and fresh seasonal berries.

Slice of the cake being taken out.

If you have a chocolate lover in your life, I promise they will absolutely love this rich chocolate cake. One bite is all it will take for you to agree that this is the best flourless chocolate cake recipe.

Recipe FAQs

Does a flourless chocolate cake contain gluten?

All true flourless chocolate cakes do not contain gluten. Since it’s naturally gluten-free, this rich, decadent cake is perfect for any occasion.

What does a flourless chocolate cake taste like?

It’s not your typical chocolate cake; light and fluffy are not ways to describe the taste. Silky, rich, and smooth, a flourless chocolate cake tastes more like a chocolate truffle.

What kind of chocolate should I use to make a flourless chocolate cake?

I use semi-sweet chocolate, but a blend of half semi-sweet and half bitter-sweet chocolate will yield a more intense chocolate flavor. Always buy the best chocolate available, and don’t use chocolate chips for this cake; chips are generally not the best quality chocolate.

More Chocolate Recipes You’ll Love!

  • slice of chocolate mousse cake being taken out of whole cake
    Best Chocolate Mousse Cake
  • slice of Italian chocolate torte on a stack of white plates
    Authentic Italian Chocolate Torte
  • slice of chocolate silk pie on a white plate with the rest of the pie in the background
    French Silk Pie {Chocolate Silk Pie}
  • chocolate mousse in four white ramekins
    Classical French Chocolate Mousse Recipe

slice of flourless chocolate cake being taken. out of whole cake

Flourless Chocolate Cake

Chef Dennis Littley
My Flourless Chocolate Cake is rich, creamy, and decadent! Not to mention naturally gluten-free, sinfully delicious and the perfect dessert for any celebration.
5 from 73 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Listen to the Post
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 394 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or half semi-sweet and half bitter-sweet)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 8 oz unsalted butter
  • 5 large eggs
  • ⅓ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 F.
  • Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper after placing in the pan.
  • In the microwave or on the stovetop mix ¾ cup of sugar with the ⅓ cup of water and heat until the sugar is completely melted.
  • Add the chopped chocolate and sugar water mixture to a heatproof bowl and place it over a pot of simmering water. Stir the chocolate as it melts.
  • When the chocolate is mostly melted add in the butter, mixing until all the chocolate is melted and the butter has been fully incorporated into the chocolate. (Allow to cool while you're preparing the eggs).
  • In another bowl, beat the eggs and the remaining ¼ cup of sugar using an electric mixer on high until the eggs double in volume (approx 3-4 minutes)
  • Fold the whipped eggs into the melted chocolate until well blended.
  • Pour the chocolate mixture into the prepared springform pan. Place the ban in a larger baking dish and add enough water to reach 1 inch up the side of the springform pan.
  • Place the cake pan in the water bath on the center rack of the preheated 350-degree F. oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the cake is set.
  • Remove the springform pan from the water bath and allow the cake to fully cool in the springform pan.
  • Refrigerate the cake in the springform pan overnight.
  • After setting overnight, run a sharp knife along the edges of the springform pan to loosen the cake. Then carefully open the springform pan.

Nutrition

Calories: 394kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 5gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 35mgPotassium: 194mgFiber: 2gSugar: 27gVitamin A: 599IUCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!

Comments

    5 from 73 votes (61 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Kraig says

    May 17, 2025 at 7:20 pm

    5 stars
    This is SO GOOD!😋
    This was very easy to make and so decadent! 🍫
    Everyone LOVED THIS DESSERT!❤️🤩

    Reply
    • Chef Dennis Littley says

      May 17, 2025 at 8:23 pm

      Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed one of my all-time favorite cakes! It’s so rich and delicious.

      Reply
  2. Allyssa says

    July 18, 2022 at 8:20 am

    5 stars
    First time to make this and it turned out very well! Thanks a lot for sharing this very helpful recipe, highly recommended!

    Reply
  3. Jamie says

    July 18, 2022 at 3:02 am

    5 stars
    This flourless chocolate cake was full of chocolate flavor and had the perfect texture. I served it with whipped cream and strawberries and my family loved it. Thank you Dennis!

    Reply
  4. Marie says

    July 17, 2022 at 9:13 pm

    5 stars
    Everyone thinks they love chocolate cake, but this flourless chocolate cake is in another league! Each bite is so fudgy it melts in the mouth. I served this beautiful cake with super ripe and sweet local strawberries. M guests were super impressed!

    Reply
  5. Debbie says

    July 17, 2022 at 7:00 pm

    5 stars
    I made this Flourless chocolate cake for my brother that has to follow a GF diet. This cake is rich and decedent and so good I couldn’t stop eating it . Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
  6. Daniela says

    July 17, 2022 at 8:38 am

    5 stars
    I love a good flourless chocolate cake and this recipe was easy to follow and came out perfect

    Reply
  7. Erin says

    July 17, 2022 at 12:29 am

    5 stars
    This cake was fantastic! I topped it with raspberries and it was a hit. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
  8. Michele says

    July 13, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    You’re right, it fudgy and delicious, and I can’t believe how easy it was to make. This will be my go to flourless cake recipe.

    Reply
  9. Kathryn says

    July 13, 2022 at 9:26 am

    5 stars
    This flourless chocolate cake was one of the best I’ve had! So much better than the restaurant versions and it was easy to make. I’ll be making this often because we enjoy it so much!

    Reply
  10. Marta says

    July 12, 2022 at 10:53 am

    5 stars
    You weren’t lying when you said this flourless chocolate cake was fudgy. It reminded me of a brownie, only lighter and tastier. I served it with my homemade ice cream for dinner last night and the family was in love.

    Reply
  11. Gloria says

    July 11, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    5 stars
    I made this chocolate cake for my daughter’s birthday and it was perfect!! She is a chocolate fanatic.

    Reply
  12. Lisa says

    July 09, 2022 at 9:53 am

    5 stars
    I always thought this type of cake was difficult to make, but it was easy following your directions. The flourless chocolate cake was soooo delicious and everyone raved about it!

    Reply


My name is Chef Dennis Littley, creator and owner of Ask Chef Dennis Productions. As a classically trained chef with 40+ years of experience in the kitchen, I share my time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen.

More about me →

Fan Favorites

  • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
    Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
  • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
    Classic Meatloaf Recipe with Zesty Glaze
  • shredded cabbage mixed with coleslaw dressing in a glass bowl.
    Easy Homemade Coleslaw Recipe
  • Banana bread sliced on a cutting board.
    Banana Bread Recipe
  • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
    Chicken Parmesan Recipe
  • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
    Baked Chicken Legs

Featured In

Collage showing where Ask Chef Dennis has been featured.

Footer

↑ back to top

INFO

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Cookie Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

SUBSCRIBE

Sign Up Today and start getting my easy-to-make restaurant-quality recipes!

CONTACT

  • About
  • Contact

© 2009-2025 · Ask Chef Dennis · 30 N. Gould Street, STE 7204, Sheridan, Wyoming, 82801

Proud Member of:
Mediavine Publisher Network

Let's Get Social

Pinterest Facebook Flipboard Instagram YouTube LinkedIn

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.