Description
This Flourless Chocolate Torte is a rich, dense, and fudgy dessert that highlights the intense flavor of chocolate without any flour. Perfect for gluten-free diets, it features melted butter and chocolate combined with cocoa powder, eggs, and a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate depth. Baked to develop a thin, crackly crust on top, this torte makes a decadent treat served plain or with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
Dry Ingredients
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process or natural)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate chips, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and combined. Remove from heat to avoid burning.
- Add Sugar and Flavorings: Stir in the granulated sugar, salt, espresso powder if using, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time to the chocolate mixture, whisking thoroughly after each addition to create a smooth batter.
- Add Cocoa Powder: Sift the cocoa powder over the batter and stir gently until just combined, ensuring no lumps remain for an even texture.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake the Torte: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the torte is set and a thin crust forms on top. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
- Cool the Torte: Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edge, invert it onto a wire rack, and cool completely.
- Serve: Serve the torte plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Using room temperature eggs helps achieve a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- The optional espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Ensure the chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly before adding eggs to prevent scrambling.
- This torte is naturally gluten-free due to the absence of flour; verify labels if using processed ingredients.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.