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
Set time: 2 hours
Total: 2 hours 35 minutes

Video

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.
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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

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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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Recipe Rating




55 Comments

  1. Sandra Thomas says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely the best chocolate flourless cake recipe ever! I can now make it in less than :30 minutes and with ganache topping! It’s easy and elegant! Lil Luna you are a marvel in so many ways! Thank you for sharing your wit and wisdom with all of us!

  2. Olga Oklobdzija says:

    Can you make some of these goodies keto friendly?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      We will definitely take that into consideration! Thanks!

  3. Jill says:

    Made this recipe and had delicious chocolate flavor but the cake came out crumbly. I followed exact measurements and didn’t over cook. Any ideas why?

  4. FM says:

    Could this recipe be made into an 8.5 x 11?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      I haven’t tried it in that size, but I imagine it would be very very thin if you tried in an 8.5 x 11. You could try an 8×8 if you’d prefer a square pan. But I’d recommend the 8 inch round pan, like the recipe states.

  5. Sharon says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely amazing, will definitely make this on repeat. Very impressive dessert that we enjoyed with vanilla ice cream. Thank you for this delicious recipe!!!!

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome!!

  6. Kasey L Cobb says:

    5 stars
    This is an amazing recipe. I love it. Do you have a good bread recipe bc I’ve tried a few and failed.

  7. Carmen Busing says:

    Do you freeze this cake with the frosting or without?

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Either way!

  8. jim says:

    5 stars
    My new discovered favorite dessert flowerless chocolate cake.
    We tried the flourless cho cake at lease 15 different restaurants and bakeries.
    All were either dry/old or had a cheap chocolate taste.
    So instead of paying $9.00+ a slice I decided to make my own from your great recipes.
    I used the 85% dark chocolate bars for the chocolate instead of chips.
    With your recipe THIS WAS THE BEST we have had it was a very rich chocolaty
    taste, fudgy smooth silky texture that melted in your mouth.
    The second time we made it we doubled the recipe and shared it with the neighbors
    It was a big hit.
    Thank you Kristyn
    Jim

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      You’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe!

  9. Jim Ogden says:

    5 stars
    Excellent recipe! Loved the comments. Thank you!

  10. Denise says:

    5 stars
    Love this cake so decadent

  11. Melissa M says:

    5 stars
    Chocolately goodness! So easy to make with ingredients on hand. I was worried it would have a gritty texture due to no flour for the sugar to bind with, but it had a surprisingly perfect consistency. Delicious with vanilla ice cream.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      So so happy to hear this! I’m so glad that you gave the recipe a try!!

  12. Heidi says:

    5 stars
    This cake is always a party pleaser! I always have the ingredients on hand, and it has become my go-to recipe. The tips were helpful. Now I just wish I had the discipline not to go for the extra slice!

  13. Claudia says:

    5 stars
    This cakes looks absolutely delicious. I would like to make a lower fat version – would it be okay to substitute half the butter with apple sauce?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thanks!! I personally have not tried, but I am sure you could 🙂

  14. Norma says:

    5 stars
    Thus cake is the bomb! So much chocolate flavor and fragrance; everyone loved it!!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for letting me know 🙂

  15. Bailey says:

    5 stars
    OmG absolutely delicious!! We let ours set in the refrigerator over night and it was amazing. Thanks sO much for sharing

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad to share 🙂 I am so glad you liked it!! Thank you!!

      1. Tammy Groom says:

        I’m so excited to try! Can I make smaller cakes in a muffin tin?? Fill halfway??
        Thanks!!!

      2. LilLunaTeam says:

        You sure can! I would cut the baking time to 10 minutes (for starters) and insert a toothpick in one of the cupcakes to see if it is done. If it’s not done yet check every couple of minutes after that. Hope this helps!

  16. marie johson says:

    This flourless cake, featuring both chocolate and cocoa, is rich. A chocolate ganache glaze takes it over the toP.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      That would be good!

  17. Florinda Guerra says:

    5 stars
    I made this cake and my family loved it so much. I am making it again for my son’s birthday. It was the easiest cake I have ever made.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I agree..so easy! Glad your family loved it. Thank you for letting me know 🙂

  18. Beth Pierce says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is spot on genius! Looking forward to trying this over the weekend! Delicious!

  19. Eden says:

    5 stars
    This turned ouT INCREDIBLE! IT’S THE MOST BEAUTIFUL CHOCOLATE CAKE!

  20. Taylor says:

    5 stars
    So DECADENT and delicious! Love how smooth and fudgy the texture is!

  21. Melissa says:

    5 stars
    i’m a fan of chocolate and this was delicious!

  22. Jessica says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious! Thanks so much for sharing!

  23. Sylvia says:

    Hi! this recipe looks delicious -can I substitute margarine for butter to make it dairy free or won’t come out the same ?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You sure could 🙂 It shouldn’t. Enjoy!

  24. Lia says:

    5 stars
    nice cakes

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thanks so much!

  25. Elizabeth says:

    Thank you for this! About how many hours does the glaze need to set?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      It takes a few hours. Hope you like it!! 🙂

  26. kayla says:

    Wondering if this recipe is possible using dark chocolate and sugar substitute to make it Keto friendly.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      I haven’t tried, but it should be ok 🙂 Let me know, if you try!!

  27. Joy says:

    5 stars
    Chocolate is my favorite!! This cake was so smooth & so chocolatey!! I can’t wait to make it again!

  28. Norma King says:

    5 stars
    I will be making this for my daughter in law’s birthday. I have tried other chocolate flourless cakes but this one seems so easy. Could I use a 9 inch springform pan?

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      You sure could 😉 I hope she likes it!! Have fun!

  29. Louise says:

    5 stars
    This is incredible, especially since it’s so easy. Everybody loved it. Thank you.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad to hear! Thank you for letting me know!

    2. Rachel D says:

      Hello all! I have just baked this subbing in erithrytol for sugar 1:1 and it came out GLORIOUSSSS!

      Not to be dramatic.

      *whispers*
      but it was glorious.

      1. Rachel D says:

        5 stars
        Oops I mean this as a general comment and not a reply lol!

  30. Melissa Howell says:

    5 stars
    Oh man, I am salivating right now! This looks SO amazingly delicious! Definitely going to make this!

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Haha!! I hope you like it!! What’s not to love? 🙂

      1. Melanie Howell says:

        Can you use bittersweet chocolate instead?

      2. Lil'Luna Team says:

        Sure, you could definitely try!