The Ultimate Barefoot Contessa Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

Barefoot Contessa flourless chocolate cake transforms ordinary dessert expectations into a decadent experience that defies traditional baking rules.

Her signature recipe celebrates chocolate’s deep, luxurious complexity without relying on standard wheat-based ingredients.

Rich bittersweet chocolate creates an intense, silky foundation for this elegant treat.

Smooth ganache adds sophisticated layers of indulgence that melt seamlessly across your palate.

Gluten-free guests will appreciate this thoughtful, inclusive approach to dessert that doesn’t compromise on taste or texture.

Each slice promises a remarkable sensory journey through velvety, intense chocolate landscapes.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable moment:

Savor the Richness of Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Create Decadent Chocolate Indulgence: This flourless chocolate cake delivers an intensely rich, deeply chocolatey experience that melts in your mouth with incredible smoothness.
• Master Gluten-Free Baking Brilliance: Perfectly crafted for those avoiding gluten, this recipe proves that dietary restrictions never mean compromising on delicious dessert satisfaction.
• Embrace Elegant Simplicity: The minimalist technique of melting chocolate, whipping egg whites, and creating a luxurious ganache transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality showstopper that looks and tastes impressively sophisticated.

Key Components for Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Rich, high-quality chocolate that provides deep flavor and smooth texture; choose brands with smooth melting properties.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety cake consistency; unsalted preferred for better control of salt content.

• Gluten-free Flour: Ensures the cake remains gluten-free; look for a blend that mimics traditional wheat flour.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cake structure; granulated white sugar works best.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Enhances chocolate flavor without adding liquid; use high-quality instant coffee.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies chocolate flavor; fine sea salt recommended.

• Egg Yolks, Egg Whites: Separate eggs carefully; yolks add richness and structure, whites create lightness and volume; room temperature eggs work best.

• Heavy Cream: Creates smooth ganache topping; use full-fat cream for best results.
• Coffee or Vanilla Ice Cream: Optional serving suggestion for added flavor contrast.

Easy Steps for Flourless Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Gather Your Chocolate Dream Team

• Bittersweet chocolate
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Instant coffee powder
• Salt
• Large eggs
• Heavy cream

Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for smooth mixing.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Arena

Preheat oven to 425°F. Grab an 8-inch springform pan and coat with butter. Line bottom with parchment paper for easy cake release.

Step 3: Create Chocolate Magic

• Sugar
• Coffee powder
• Salt

Mix until ingredients dance together perfectly.

Step 4: Separate Egg Drama

Carefully separate egg whites from yolks. Add yolks to chocolate mixture, creating a rich, glossy blend.

Step 5: Whip Those Whites

Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites until soft, fluffy peaks form. They should look like delicate clouds.

Step 6: Gentle Folding Technique

Slowly fold egg whites into chocolate mixture. Use gentle circular motions to maintain airiness. Stop when just combined.

Step 7: Bake With Precision

Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake exactly 15 minutes. Watch the magic happen!

Step 8: Unique Cooling Ritual

Turn off oven. Crack door open. Let cake rest inside for one hour. It will naturally sink – this is perfect!

Step 9: Luxurious Ganache Finale

Melt remaining chocolate with heavy cream. Stir until glossy. Pour into cake’s center, creating a stunning chocolate pool.

Step 10: Serve With Swagger

Slice and serve. Top with vanilla ice cream for extra decadence.

Expert Hints for Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Maximize Egg White Whipping: Ensure your mixing bowl and whisk are completely clean and free from any grease to help egg whites reach their full, airy potential.
• Select Premium Chocolate: Pick a chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for deep, rich flavor that transforms this simple cake into a luxurious dessert.
• Master Gentle Folding Technique: Use a rubber spatula and a bottom-to-top motion when incorporating egg whites to preserve those delicate air bubbles that create a light texture.
• Prevent Cracking Secrets: Allow the cake to cool gradually inside the oven with the door slightly open, which helps prevent sudden temperature changes that can cause surface cracks.
• Serve with Elegant Touches: Dust the cake with powdered sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream to elevate this gluten-free dessert from simple to spectacular.

Smart Storage for Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Freezing Method: Protect your cake's integrity by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Seal every edge carefully to prevent freezer burn and preserve the rich chocolate flavor. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigeration Method: Preserve the cake's moisture by storing in an airtight container with a secure lid. Keep chilled for up to 3 days, ensuring the delicate chocolate remains smooth and decadent. Place on a middle shelf away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Room Temperature Method: Enjoy the cake within 24 hours for peak freshness when kept in a cool, dry place. Use a cake dome or covered plate to shield from dust and potential contamination. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat sources that could compromise the cake's delicate structure.

Creative Variations on Flourless Chocolate Cake

• Mocha Magic: Enhance the coffee flavor by adding a tablespoon of espresso powder to the chocolate mixture and topping the cake with chocolate-covered espresso beans.
• Nutty Chocolate Haven: Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped hazelnuts on top of the ganache for a delightful crunch and nutty undertone.
• Berry Chocolate Dream: Create a quick raspberry or strawberry coulis to drizzle alongside the cake, adding a bright fruity contrast to the rich chocolate flavor.
• Salted Caramel Indulgence: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the ganache, creating a luxurious sweet and salty combination that elevates the cake's complexity.

Parting Thoughts on Flourless Chocolate Cake

Chocolate magic emerges from Barefoot Contessa’s gluten-free masterpiece, promising pure indulgence without compromise.

Rich bittersweet chocolate whispers luxurious comfort through each silky slice.

Culinary alchemy transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dessert experience.

Ganache-filled centers beckon with decadent allure, inviting passionate chocolate enthusiasts to savor each moment.

Weekend bakers and gourmet lovers can master this elegant recipe with confidence.

Connect with fellow chocolate adventurers: share this recipe, spark conversations, and inspire delicious memories that linger beyond the last heavenly bite.

Barefoot Contessa Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-free!) Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s flourless chocolate cake delivers pure indulgence for chocolate enthusiasts. Rich, dense, and elegantly simple, this gluten-free dessert melts smoothly on your palate, promising a luxurious experience with each silky bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb plus 3 oz (680 g) bittersweet chocolate (such as Lindt), broken into chunks
• 4 extra-large eggs, at room temperature, separated
• 10 tablespoons (1¼ sticks or 142 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into pieces

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour (such as Cup4Cup)
• 1½ tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Accompaniment:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
• Coffee or vanilla ice cream, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 425°F (220°C). Coat an 8-inch springform pan with butter and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Create the chocolate base by placing of bittersweet chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir gently until completely melted. Remove from heat and incorporate unsalted butter, gluten-free flour, granulated sugar, instant coffee granules, and salt using a rubber spatula. Whisk in egg yolks until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.
3. Separate the egg whites and whip them in an electric mixer with a whisk attachment. Beat at medium speed until soft, billowy peaks form that hold their shape but are not stiff.
4. Delicately fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture using gentle, sweeping motions with a rubber spatula. Blend until just combined, maintaining the airiness of the whites.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula to ensure an even distribution. Place in the preheated oven and bake for precisely 15 minutes.
6. After baking, turn off the oven and crack the door open slightly. Allow the cake to rest inside for one hour, during which it will naturally deflate and create a distinctive sunken center.
7. Simultaneously prepare the ganache by combining the remaining of chocolate with heavy cream in a heatproof bowl. Melt over simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth and glossy. Adjust consistency with a small amount of cream if needed.
8. Once cooled, carefully release the springform pan’s sides and transfer the cake to a serving plate. Pour the warm ganache into the cake’s natural depression, allowing it to fill the center while leaving the edges untouched.
9. Serve the cake at room temperature or slightly warm, optionally garnishing with a scoop of coffee or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finishing touch.

Notes

• Gather premium bittersweet chocolate from trusted brands for rich, deep flavor profiles.
• Separate eggs carefully, ensuring no yolk contaminates the whites for maximum volume.
• Whip egg whites until soft, glossy peaks form, creating an airy texture that defines the cake’s lightness.
• Gently fold whites into chocolate mixture using a soft spatula to maintain delicate air bubbles.
• Allow cake to cool gradually inside the oven with door slightly ajar, preventing sudden temperature drops.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 45mg
• Fat: 31g
• Saturated Fat: 19g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 135mg