Flourless chocolate cake is a rich, decadent dessert that’s perfect for chocolate lovers and those looking for a gluten-free option. This cake is incredibly dense and fudgy, boasting a deep chocolate flavor that’s hard to resist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—using just one bowl, you can create a dessert that looks and tastes like a culinary masterpiece.
Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply craving a chocolate indulgence, this one-bowl flourless chocolate cake is sure to impress. Its rich texture and intense chocolate flavor make it a standout dessert, and it’s also surprisingly easy to make. The absence of flour results in a dense and moist cake that pairs beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Ingredients for One-Bowl Flourless Chocolate Cake
For the Cake:
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped or in chips: This is the primary source of chocolate flavor and provides a smooth, rich texture to the cake.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps balance the bitterness of the chocolate.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate and balances the sweetness.
- 3 large eggs: Provides structure and stability to the cake. The eggs help bind the ingredients together and give the cake its rich, dense texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the chocolate.
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional): Provides a decorative touch and a hint of extra sweetness if desired.
How to Make One-Bowl Flourless Chocolate Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the cake bakes evenly and achieves the perfect texture.
- Prepare your pan: Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper, ensuring you cover the bottom and sides. Lightly grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you prefer, you can also use a springform pan for easier removal.
2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:
- Combine chocolate and butter: In a large heatproof bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter.
- Melt the mixture: Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.
- Cool slightly: Once melted, remove the bowl from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
3. Combine Ingredients:
- Add sugar and salt: Stir the granulated sugar and salt into the melted chocolate and butter mixture until well combined.
- Incorporate the eggs: Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs are fully incorporated into the batter, creating a smooth texture.
- Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cake has set and the top has a slightly cracked appearance. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake, as the cake should remain dense and fudgy.
- Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. After cooling, run a knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake. Carefully remove the cake from the pan and let it cool completely.
5. Serve and Garnish:
- Dust with powdered sugar (optional): Before serving, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar for a decorative touch.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
About the Main Ingredients
Semisweet Chocolate: This ingredient is essential for the deep chocolate flavor and smooth texture of the cake. Semisweet chocolate provides the right balance of sweetness and richness, contributing to the cake’s dense, fudgy consistency.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake. It helps create a smooth, cohesive batter and contributes to the cake’s overall texture.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and balances the bitterness of the chocolate. It also helps to achieve the cake’s structure and texture.
Eggs: Essential for binding the ingredients together and giving the cake its rich, dense texture. Eggs provide stability and help the cake rise properly.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle depth of flavor that complements the richness of the cake.
This one-bowl flourless chocolate cake is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an exquisite dessert. Its rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor make it a standout treat that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Enjoy this delightful dessert with your loved ones or as a special treat for yourself!
