Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

This flourless chocolate cake offers a rich, velvety texture and deep cocoa flavor, perfect for those seeking a dense, fudgy dessert. Melt dark chocolate and butter, then combine with sugar, eggs, vanilla, and salt to create the batter. Bake until edges are set and center slightly wobbly, then cool and garnish with cocoa powder or fresh berries. Naturally gluten-free and elegant, it’s ideal for sharing and special occasions.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 14:35:00 GMT
Decadent flourless chocolate cake with a dusting of cocoa and fresh berries, ready to serve. Save to Pinterest
Decadent flourless chocolate cake with a dusting of cocoa and fresh berries, ready to serve. | shiftpan.com

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

I first baked this cake for a family gathering and everyone was amazed by its intense flavor and moist texture.

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

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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 & 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.
Add Sugar & 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 to 30 minutes or until the edges are set but the center is just slightly wobbly.
Cool Cake:
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 & Serve:
Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving and garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream if desired.
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Make fresh ice for iced coffee, cocktails, chilling ingredients, and keeping drinks cold while cooking.
Check price on Amazon
A slice of rich, fudgy decadent flourless chocolate cake, perfect for a gluten-free dessert. Save to Pinterest
A slice of rich, fudgy decadent flourless chocolate cake, perfect for a gluten-free dessert. | shiftpan.com

My family enjoys this cake most during celebrations where everyone shares stories and laughter over dessert.

Notes

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, Dairy (butter). Check chocolate for possible traces of nuts, soy, or gluten if highly sensitive. Always verify ingredient labels.

Beautifully textured decadent flourless chocolate cake, offering that intense chocolate flavor, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Beautifully textured decadent flourless chocolate cake, offering that intense chocolate flavor, ready to enjoy. | shiftpan.com
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Whisk eggs, batters, sauces, and cream smoothly for baking, cooking, and everyday meal prep.
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This flourless chocolate cake is the perfect indulgence for any gluten-free dessert lover.

Questions & Answers About This Recipe

What gives the cake its fudgy texture?

The absence of flour combined with a high ratio of dark chocolate and butter creates a dense, fudgy texture.

Can I add flavor variations to this chocolate cake?

Yes, adding ingredients like instant espresso powder can introduce mocha notes, enhancing the cake’s depth.

How do I prevent the cake from drying out?

Ensure not to overbake; remove when edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly for best moistness.

What are good garnishes to serve with this cake?

Dusting with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, and adding fresh berries or whipped cream complement the rich flavors well.

Is this dessert suitable for gluten-sensitive diets?

Yes, this cake contains no flour, making it naturally gluten-free, though check chocolate labels for possible traces.

Decadent Flourless Chocolate Cake

A rich, fudgy dark chocolate cake with intense flavor and a velvety texture, gluten-free and decadent.

Prep Time
15 min
Time to Cook
30 min
Total Duration
45 min
Recipe by Emma Miller


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine International

Serves 8 Portions

Dietary Info Vegetarian, 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 tsp pure vanilla extract
02 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Optional Garnish

01 Cocoa powder, for dusting
02 Powdered sugar, for dusting
03 Fresh berries, for serving
04 Whipped cream, for serving

How to Make It

Step 01

Prepare Oven and Pan: Preheat 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 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 granulated sugar thoroughly. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition to incorporate fully.

Step 04

Add Flavorings: Mix in vanilla extract and sea salt until homogenous.

Step 05

Transfer Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.

Step 06

Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the edges are firm but the center retains a slight wobble.

Step 07

Cool and Remove: Let cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully run a knife around the edges, invert onto a serving plate, and peel off parchment paper.

Step 08

Garnish and Serve: Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar. Optionally garnish with fresh berries or whipped cream before serving.

What You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review all items for allergies and speak to a healthcare expert with any concerns.
  • Contains eggs and dairy (butter). Check chocolate for traces of nuts, soy, or gluten if highly sensitive.

Nutrition Details (per serving)

For reference only — always check with a nutrition or medical professional.
  • Caloric Value: 310
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 5 g