• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chef Dennis
  • Recipe Index
  • On the Road
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Chocolate Dessert Recipes

    Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

    Published: Jul 6, 2022 · Modified: Sep 2, 2022 by Chef Dennis Littley

    106 shares
    • Facebook30
    • Yummly
    5 from 41 votes
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest image for flourless chocolate cake

    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 (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

    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.

    decoratedf lourless chocolate 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 Mousse Cake are OMG delicious chocolate recipes.

    What Ingredients do I need to make Flourless Chocolate Cake?

    Ingredients to make a flourless chocolate cake

    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 for my flourless chocolate cake?

    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 do I make a 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 final steps in 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.

    This post includes affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    I use a springform pan for this cake. 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 flourless chocolate 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 flourless chocolate cake on a white platter

    Decorate the cake with whipped cream and fresh seasonal berries.

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

    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 FAQ’s

    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

    Did you make this? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST!

    slice of flourless chocolate cake being taken. out of whole cake
    Print Recipe Save Saved!
    5 from 41 votes

    Flourless Chocolate Cake

    My Flourless Chocolate Cake is rich, creamy, and decadent! Not to mention naturally gluten-free, sinfully delicious and the perfect dessert for any celebration.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time45 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 394kcal
    Author: Chef Dennis Littley

    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
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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: 394kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 120mg | Sodium: 35mg | Potassium: 194mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 27g | Vitamin A: 599IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askChefDennis or tag #askChefDennis!

    More Chocolate Dessert Recipes

    • slice of boston cream pie being taken our of whole cake
      Boston Cream Pie
    • slice of red velvet cake on a spatula being taken out of whole cake.
      Red Velvet Cake Recipe
    • chocolate banana bread sliced on white platter
      Double Chocolate Banana Bread
    • slice being taken out of a chocolate cake
      Best Chocolate Cake Recipe

    About Chef Dennis

    Picture of Chef Dennis

    Chef Dennis Littley is a classically trained chef with over 40 years of experience working in the food service industry. In his second career as a food blogger he has made it his mission to demistify cooking by sharing his time-tested recipes, knowledge, and chef tips to help you create easy-to-make restaurant-quality meals in your home kitchen. Let Chef Dennis help you bring the joy of cooking into your home. For more details, check out his About page.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Allyssa

      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
    2. Jamie

      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
    3. Marie

      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
    4. Debbie

      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
    5. Daniela

      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
    6. Erin

      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
    7. Michele

      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
    8. Kathryn

      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
    9. Marta

      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
    10. Gloria

      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
    11. Lisa

      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

    Primary Sidebar


    My name is Dennis Littley or "Chef Dennis" as I'm known both at work and across the blogosphere. 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 →

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Fan Favorites

    • loaf of homemade artisan bread on a wooden cutting board
      Almost No-Knead Artisan Bread Recipe
    • 2 Maryland crab cakes on a white plate
      Baked Maryland Crab Cakes Recipe
    • chicken parm with pasta on a white plate
      Chicken Parmesan Recipe
    • seasoned crispy chicken legs on a foil wrapped tray
      Best Baked Chicken Legs {Drumsticks}
    • side view of slice of bee sting cake being taken out of full cake
      German Bee Sting Cake (Bienenstich) Recipe
    • Tiramisu with a fork on a white plate
      Best Tiramisu Recipe {step by step}
    • overhead view of barbecued half racks of baby back ribs on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Baby Back Ribs
    • overhead view of veal parm and linguine on a white plate
      Restaurant Style Veal Parm Recipe

    Featured In

    logos of all the places chef dennis has been featured

    Popular Posts

    • crispy seasoned chicken leg quarters on a white platter
      Best Baked Chicken Leg Quarters
    • cropped-Gunniess-Beef-Stew-13.jpg
      Authentic Guinness Beef Stew Recipe
    • overhead shot of baked crab imperial on a white plate with sauteed greens and roasted potatoes
      Maryland Style Jumbo Lump Crab Imperial
    • close up of half a chicken salad sandwich on a white plate
      Best Chicken Salad – Deli Style
    • oysters rockefeller with a slice of lemon on a bed of rock salt on a white platter
      How to Make Restaurant Style Oysters Rockefeller
    • sliced dry rub roasted brisket with cilantro and tomatoes on on a white platter
      Easy Oven Baked Beef Brisket Recipe
    • rack of pork with end cut off
      Oven Roasted Rack of Pork {Pork Rib Roast}
    • sliced meatloaf with the rest of meatloaf on a white platter
      Best Meatloaf Recipe

    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-style recipes!

    CONTACT

    • About
    • Contact
    © 2009-2023 · Ask Chef Dennis ·

    Proud Member of:
    Mediavine Publisher Network
    106 shares
    • 30