Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

This cake offers a rich, velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor without flour, perfect for those avoiding gluten. Combining melted dark chocolate and butter with sugar and eggs, the batter bakes to a fudgy perfection. Vanilla and a pinch of salt enhance the sweetness, while dusting with cocoa or powdered sugar adds a final elegant touch. Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream for an indulgent finish.

Preparation is simple and quick, with careful folding of ingredients to maintain airiness. Baking time ensures a slightly wobbly center for moistness. Leftovers should be stored covered at room temperature or refrigerated to keep the cake's softness intact.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:44:00 GMT
Fudgy slices of decadent flourless chocolate cake, perfect with a dusting of cocoa powder. Save to Pinterest
Fudgy slices of decadent flourless chocolate cake, perfect with a dusting of cocoa powder. | metrochop.com

A rich, velvety chocolate cake with an intense flavor and fudgy texture, perfect for chocolate lovers and naturally gluten-free.

This cake became a favorite in my household, especially for celebrations and cozy gatherings where the rich flavor is always a hit.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate & Butter: 225 g (8 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) chopped, 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • Sugar & Eggs: 150 g (3/4 cup) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • Flavorings: 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • Optional Garnish: Cocoa powder or powdered sugar for dusting, Fresh berries for serving, Whipped cream for serving

Instructions

Preheat oven:
Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Melt chocolate and butter:
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk sugar and eggs:
Whisk in the sugar then add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
Add flavorings:
Stir in the vanilla extract and salt until fully incorporated.
Prepare batter:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake:
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is just slightly wobbly.
Cool and unmold:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes then run a knife around the edge and invert onto a serving plate. Peel off the parchment paper.
Garnish:
Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving and garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
A close-up of a warm, rich decadent flourless chocolate cake topped with fresh berries. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a warm, rich decadent flourless chocolate cake topped with fresh berries. | metrochop.com

Our family loves sharing this cake on special occasions, creating lasting memories with each bite.

Notes

For a mocha twist add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate mixture. Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Required Tools

20 cm (8-inch) round cake pan, Heatproof mixing bowl, Saucepan, Whisk, Spatula, Parchment paper

Allergen Information

Contains eggs and dairy (butter). Check chocolate for possible traces of nuts soy or gluten if highly sensitive. Always verify ingredient labels.

This decadent flourless chocolate cake features a moist, dark interior and an incredibly intense flavor. Save to Pinterest
This decadent flourless chocolate cake features a moist, dark interior and an incredibly intense flavor. | metrochop.com

This flourless chocolate cake is a decadent treat that's surprisingly easy to make and sure to impress.

Recipe FAQ

Can I substitute dark chocolate with milk chocolate?

Milk chocolate can be used, but it will result in a sweeter, less intense flavor and may affect the cake's overall richness.

How do I achieve the fudgy texture in this cake?

The fudgy texture comes from using high-quality dark chocolate and a balanced ratio of melted butter and eggs without any flour, creating a dense, moist crumb.

Is it necessary to line the cake pan with parchment paper?

Yes, lining the pan helps the delicate cake release easily without breaking, ensuring a smooth, intact surface after baking.

What is the purpose of the slight wobble in the cake center when baking?

A slightly wobbly center indicates the cake is moist and fudgy inside without being overbaked or dry.

Can I add espresso powder to this cake?

Adding 1 tsp of instant espresso powder to the chocolate mixture intensifies the chocolate flavor with a subtle mocha note.

Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake

A rich, fudgy chocolate cake with intense flavor and gluten-free ingredients for a delightful dessert.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Bake/Cook Time
30 minutes
Time Needed
45 minutes
Recipe By Elizabeth Perry


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine International

Makes 8 Portions

Dietary Needs Meat-Free, No Gluten

What You'll Need

Chocolate & Butter

01 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces

Sugar & Eggs

01 3/4 cup granulated sugar
02 4 large eggs, at room temperature

Flavorings

01 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
02 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Optional Garnish

01 Cocoa powder or powdered sugar, for dusting
02 Fresh berries, for serving
03 Whipped cream, for serving

How-To Steps

Step 01

Prepare oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 02

Melt chocolate and butter: Combine the chopped dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 03

Incorporate sugar and eggs: Whisk in the granulated sugar, then add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.

Step 04

Add vanilla and salt: Stir in vanilla extract and sea salt until fully blended.

Step 05

Transfer batter and bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are set and the center remains slightly soft.

Step 06

Cool and unmold: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto a serving plate, and remove the parchment paper.

Step 07

Finish with garnish: Dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Serve optionally with fresh berries or whipped cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • 8-inch round cake pan
  • Heatproof mixing bowl
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Notes

Always check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare provider if you're uncertain.
  • Contains eggs and dairy (butter)
  • Chocolate may contain traces of nuts, soy, or gluten; verify labels if highly sensitive

Nutrition Details (per portion)

These details are for informational purposes and aren't a substitute for professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 5 g