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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Gradually sift flour over the chocolate mixture, using a rubber spatula to fold gently until ingredients are thoroughly combined without overmixing.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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