Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An intensely rich, fudgy cake that requires no flour, featuring a bright citrus note from fresh orange zest that makes it the absolute best dessert. This french-inspired recipe ready in about 46 minutes layers finely chopped dark chocolate, melted unsalted butter, large, room temperature eggs into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.9 (15 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 26 min Serves 8 French cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch springform pan; line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Melt 6 oz finely chopped dark chocolate and 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter together in a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, stirring until smooth.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk 4 large room temperature eggs, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 1/4 tsp salt until pale and doubled in volume, about 3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully combined, then pour into prepared pan.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 25-28 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly, then cool completely in the pan before slicing.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake take to make?

Total time is about 46 minutes (20 min prep + 26 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.

How do I store leftover Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake?

Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.

Can I substitute ingredients in Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Best Chocolate-Orange Flourless Cake?

French mains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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