The Perfect Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake Recipe

Bittersweet chocolate cake transforms ordinary dessert moments into luxurious indulgences that dance between intense richness and subtle sweetness.

Dark and provocative, this decadent creation promises an extraordinary culinary experience that defies traditional expectations.

Sophisticated chocolate lovers recognize the nuanced depth these carefully selected ingredients can deliver.

Professional bakers understand how strategic flavor combinations elevate a simple cake into a memorable masterpiece.

Each slice reveals complex undertones that tantalize sophisticated palates with remarkable complexity.

Magical ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a sensory journey that transcends typical dessert boundaries.

The result captivates both casual enthusiasts and serious confectionery professionals with its remarkable depth and character: prepare for an unforgettable chocolate adventure.

Tasty Twists on Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

• Mocha Chocolate Infusion: Enhance the coffee flavor by replacing coffee granules with freshly brewed espresso, adding depth and richness to the cake's chocolate profile.
• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Fold chopped almonds or walnuts into the batter before baking, creating a delightful textural contrast and adding a subtle nutty undertone.
• Raspberry Chocolate Swirl: Before baking, drop small dollops of raspberry preserves onto the cake batter and gently swirl with a knife, introducing a tangy fruity element that complements the deep chocolate flavor.
• Salted Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over each slice, transforming the cake into a decadent dessert with a sophisticated sweet-salty balance.

Wrap-Up on Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Chocolate heaven awaits with Ina Garten’s bittersweet masterpiece.

Rich, indulgent layers melt into a sensory experience that whispers pure culinary passion.

Sophisticated palates will recognize this cake’s complex chocolate profile dancing between sweetness and depth.

Warm aromas promise delightful moments of pure gastronomic pleasure.

Kitchen adventurers can craft this elegant dessert with simple techniques and premium ingredients.

Listeners, sharers, and chocolate enthusiasts – spread chocolate magic by connecting through this divine recipe’s story, sparking conversations that celebrate delectable creativity.

Why Ina Garten’s Bittersweet Chocolate Cake Is a Must-Try

• Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: This cake delivers an intense, rich chocolate experience that melts in your mouth with deep, complex flavor that chocolate lovers will absolutely adore.
• Master a Professional-Level Dessert with Ease: Despite looking like a sophisticated bakery creation, the recipe is surprisingly simple to execute, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen equipment.
• Create a Showstopping One-Bowl Wonder: The entire cake comes together in a single bowl using a straightforward melting technique, making cleanup a breeze and reducing kitchen stress for home bakers.
• Elevate Your Dessert Game with Versatile Serving Options: The cake transforms effortlessly from an elegant dinner party centerpiece to a comforting weekend treat, pairing beautifully with whipped cream, ice cream, or crème fraîche for added indulgence.

All You Need for Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Chocolate Cake Ingredients:

• Bittersweet Chocolate: High-quality chocolate with deep, rich flavor that creates the cake's intense chocolate profile.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture in the cake.

• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the cake's tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure and moisture.
• Instant Coffee Granules: Enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps bind the cake ingredients together.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall chocolate flavor.

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: Offers a light, creamy contrast to the rich chocolate cake.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: Provides a cool, smooth accompaniment to the warm cake.
• Crème Fraîche: Adds a tangy, rich complement to the chocolate dessert.

How to Bake Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously butter and flour an 8-inch springform pan, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

• Butter
• Chocolate

Stir continuously until completely melted and smooth. Carefully remove the bowl from heat.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Beaten eggs
• Coffee granules
• Salt

Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Incorporate Flour

Gently sprinkle flour over the chocolate mixture. Fold in using a rubber spatula, ensuring no flour pockets remain. Mix until ingredients are just combined.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

• Top puffs up and develops slight cracks
• Cake doesn't wobble when gently shaken

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely on a baking rack. The cake will naturally deflate slightly as it cools. Run a knife around the edge to loosen from the pan. Slice into wedges.

Chef’s Hints for a Bold Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

• Chocolate Melt Mastery: Employ a double boiler to transform chocolate and butter into a silky smooth mixture, eliminating risk of scorching while creating a luxurious base for your cake.
• Flavor Depth Hack: Sprinkle instant coffee granules to unlock hidden chocolate intensity, deepening the cake's rich profile without overwhelming coffee notes.
• Baking Armor Strategy: Create a foolproof release by thoroughly coating the springform pan with butter and flour, guaranteeing a seamless cake removal.
• Airy Fold Technique: Delicately incorporate flour using a rubber spatula's sweeping motion, preserving the batter's light, cloud-like texture.
• Baking Brilliance Signal: Track the cake's readiness through its gloriously puffed and crackled surface, with minimal center movement indicating perfect doneness.

Keeping Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake Fresh

• Freezer Fortress: Carefully wrap the cake in multiple layers of protection. Slide plastic wrap directly against the cake's surface, then add a sturdy aluminum foil exterior. Tuck the wrapped cake into a heavy-duty freezer bag, squeezing out excess air to prevent freezer burn. This method keeps your chocolate masterpiece fresh and delicious for up to 3 months.
• Refrigerator Sanctuary: Seal the completely cooled cake in an airtight container to lock in moisture. Slide a piece of parchment paper between cake layers if storing multiple slices. Position the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Your cake will maintain its rich flavor and texture for 5 days.
• Quick Slice Tip: Before refrigerating or freezing, cut the cake into individual portions.

Ina Garten Bittersweet Chocolate Cake Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Ina Garten’s bittersweet chocolate cake delivers rich, silky indulgence straight from her iconic Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Chocolate lovers will savor each deeply satisfying slice crafted with professional precision and pure culinary passion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 7 ounces (198 grams) bittersweet chocolate, broken into pieces
• 4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 15 tablespoons (213 grams) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing the pan

Dry Ingredients:

• ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour, plus extra for the pan
• ½ teaspoon instant coffee granules
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Serving Suggestions:

• Sweetened whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Crème fraîche

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Thoroughly coat an 8-inch (20.3 centimeters) springform pan with butter, then dust with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a double boiler by positioning a heatproof bowl atop a pot with gently simmering water. Ensure the water does not make contact with the bottom of the bowl. Add chocolate and butter to the bowl, stirring continuously until completely melted and smoothly combined.
3. Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and incorporate granulated sugar, whisking until fully integrated. Introduce beaten eggs, finely ground coffee granules, and salt, blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
4. Gradually sift flour over the chocolate mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold gently until ingredients are thoroughly combined without overmixing.
5. Transfer the batter into the prepared springform pan, positioning it on a rimmed baking sheet for easier handling. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 40 minutes, watching for characteristic signs of doneness: a puffed and slightly cracked surface, and minimal movement when gently shaken.
6. After removing from the oven, allow the cake to cool completely on a wire rack. The cake will naturally deflate during cooling. Carefully run a thin knife around the pan’s edges to release the cake.
7. Slice into elegant wedges and serve alongside optional accompaniments such as sweetened whipped cream, premium vanilla ice cream, or luxurious crème fraîche.

Notes

• Minimal ingredients transform into a luxurious chocolate experience that wows guests with sophisticated simplicity.
• Professional bakery-style results emerge from basic kitchen techniques, making complex desserts accessible.
• Melting chocolate gently over simmering water guarantees a silky, uniform texture every single time.
• Intense bittersweet chocolate notes create a decadent flavor profile that lingers beautifully on the palate.
• Coffee granules subtly elevate the chocolate’s depth, adding elegant complexity without overwhelming the dessert.
• Springform pan allows effortless cake release and delivers stunning presentation with clean, smooth edges.
• Naturally deflated cake structure provides a rustic yet refined aesthetic that screams gourmet elegance.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg