Classic Chocolate Flourless Cake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

An indulgent, dense chocolate cake with a rich, fudgy center, made without flour and perfect with a dusting of powdered sugar. This french-inspired desserts ready in about 55 minutes layers bittersweet chocolate, unsalted butter, large 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 320 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.

★ 4.5 (11 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 8 French cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Melt chopped chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until smooth. Cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Beat eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt with an electric mixer for 4-5 minutes until pale and thickened, about tripled in volume.
  4. Step 4: Gently fold melted chocolate mixture into egg mixture until fully combined. Pour batter into prepared pan.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 30-35 minutes until edges are set but center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.
  6. Step 6: Run a knife around the edge to loosen, remove springform sides, and dust with powdered sugar before slicing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Chocolate Flourless Cake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Classic Chocolate 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 Classic Chocolate 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 Classic Chocolate 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 Classic Chocolate Flourless Cake?

French desserts 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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