Chocoholics REJOICE – this flourless chocolate cake recipe is going to make all your chocolate dreams come true! Every bite is smooth, fudgy, and simply decadent.

We have always loved a good cake, especially an Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe! But we decided we needed a flourless version. That’s where this recipe comes in. Not only is this a perfect dessert to wow your guests, but it’s especially great for those who are gluten-free.

For more gluten-free chocolate desserts, try Flourless Chocolate Cookies and Chocolate Mousse

Why we think you’ll love it:

  • Simple. It’s easy to make but looks impressive, perfect for a dinner party. And every bite is pure bliss.
  • Similar to a torte. It is a dense and rich cake that is made without flour, resulting in a fudgy texture similar to a chocolate torte.
  • Gluten-free. This chocolate cake recipe is suitable for those with dietary restrictions.

Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients and Substitutions

Cake

  • ½ cup salted butter – or use unsalted butter and add ¼ teaspoon salt to the recipe
  • 1 cup high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips. As long as the chocolate chips do not contain gluten, you can be confident in consuming this as a gluten-free dessert.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar – replace the white sugar with ¾ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – use pure vanilla for the best flavor
  • 3 large eggs – We found that room temperature eggs incorporate better than cold eggs.
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa – We use regular unsweetened baking cocoa powder, but Dutch-processed cocoa powder can be used.

Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ⅔ cup high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • optional garnish – Top with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, or sliced toasted almonds.

How to Make Flourless Chocolate Cake

  1. PREP. Line an 8-inch round cake pan with parchment paper. Spray it with non-stick spray, and set it aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. BATTER. Melt butter in a large glass microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Add semisweet chocolate chips and let sit for 3-4 minutes. Stir until chips melt, adding additional cooking time if needed. Let cool for 5 minutes.
    • Whisk sugar and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture. Add large eggs and whisk till well blended. Stir in cocoa powder.
  3. BAKE. Pour the batter into a prepared pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake at 375°F for 25 minutes or till a toothpick comes out clean.
  4. COOL. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack. Immediately flip right-side up onto another cooling rack. Cool completely.
  5. GLAZE. Combine butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof glass bowl. Microwave for 1-3 minutes or till melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
    • Spread glaze over the cake. Let it sit for several hours until the chocolate sets. 
    • Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and then wiped dry to make even clean slices. We love to top ours with fresh raspberries and a sprinkling of powdered sugar.
  • We love topping with tart raspberries because they pair so well with this decadent dessert.
  • Depending on the temperature and humidity of the room, the chocolate topping can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to set. To help it set faster, you can chill it in the refrigerator. We do this when we can’t wait!
  • This cake can be served as a gluten-free dessert; just be sure to check the labels of the other ingredients to make sure there is no hidden gluten.
5 from 129 votes

Flourless Chocolate Cake

This flourless chocolate cake is a rich, fudgy dream that's simple to make and guaranteed to impress any crowd.
Servings: 10
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25 minutes
Total: 2 hours 35 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 1 cup high quality semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa

Glaze

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • cup high quality semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Line a round 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper and spray with non-stick spray. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • Melt butter in a large glass microwave-safe bowl in the microwave. Add chocolate chips and let sit for 3-4 minutes. Stir until chips melt, adding additional cooking time if needed. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  • Whisk sugar and vanilla into the melted chocolate mixture. Add eggs and whisk till well blended. Stir in cocoa powder.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly with a rubber spatula. Bake for 25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack. Immediately flip right-side up onto another cooling rack. Cool completely.

Glaze

  • Combine butter and chocolate chips in a glass heatproof bowl. Microwave for 1-3 minutes or till melted, stirring every 30 seconds.
  • Spread glaze over the cake. Let it sit for several hours till the chocolate sets. 
  • Serve the cake as is, or with fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream.

Notes

Recipe Tips.
  • We love topping with tart raspberries because they pair so well with this decadent dessert.
  • Depending on the temperature and humidity of the room, the chocolate topping can take anywhere from 2-4 hours to set. To help it set faster, you can chill it in the refrigerator. 
  • This cake can be served as a gluten-free dessert; just be sure to check the labels of the other ingredients to make sure there is no hidden gluten.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer. Store berries in a separate container.
Freeze. If the cake has glaze, you will need to freeze it for a few hours before wrapping with with plastic and foil. Once wrapped, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove wrappings before you thaw.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal, Carbohydrates: 33g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 98mg, Sodium: 139mg, Potassium: 259mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 26g, Vitamin A: 495IU, Calcium: 37mg, Iron: 2.8mg

Recipe FAQ

How to store?

Flourless chocolate cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for longer. Store berries in a separate container.

How to freeze?

If the cake has the glaze, freeze it for a few hours before wrapping with plastic and foil. Once wrapped, keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Remove wrappings before you thaw.

This recipe was originally published January 2018.

Recipe inspired by King Arthur Flour

About Kristyn

Kristyn Merkley is a published cookbook author, wife, mom of six, and major food enthusiast! For the past 15 years, she has been sharing foolproof, family-friendly recipes—each one tested in her kitchen—that anyone can master. As a seasoned recipe creator, she loves making cooking simple, stress-free, and totally doable for everyone!

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5 from 129 votes (105 ratings without comment)

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57 Comments

  1. Colin Lou(ie) says:

    Loved how you broke things down…. The breakdown helped me a lot. 馃檪

    1. Lil' Luna Team says:

      We’re glad the step by step breakdown was helpful. Thanks for baking along and sharing!

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