A rich, decadent, naturally gluten-free dessert made with just a few wholesome ingredients, perfect for chocolate lovers. This flourless chocolate torte delivers intense chocolate flavor with a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This flourless chocolate torte is a chocolate lover's dream come true. With its rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor, it's an elegant dessert that requires minimal effort. You'll love how it comes together with simple pantry ingredients yet tastes like something from a high-end bakery. Perfect for special occasions, this torte is naturally gluten-free without requiring any specialty flours or ingredients. Whether you're serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a weeknight treat, this versatile dessert can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Unsalted butter creates the rich foundation for this torte, lending moisture and a silky texture while allowing the chocolate flavor to shine. The butter melts together with the chocolate to form a luxurious base.
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips provide the intense chocolate flavor that defines this dessert. You can use any high-quality chocolate between 55-70% cacao depending on how sweet or bitter you prefer your torte.
Granulated sugar balances the intensity of the dark chocolate and helps create the perfect texture. It dissolves during baking to contribute to the torte's fudgy consistency.
Salt enhances all the flavors in the torte, particularly bringing out the complex notes in the chocolate. Don't skip this ingredient as it's essential for depth of flavor.
Espresso powder isn't necessary but highly recommended as it amplifies the chocolate flavor without making the torte taste like coffee. If you don't have it on hand, you can omit it without drastically affecting the recipe.
Vanilla extract adds warmth and complexity to the chocolate flavor. A pure extract gives the best results.
Eggs provide structure and richness to the torte. They're crucial for creating the right texture since there's no flour in this recipe. Make sure they're at room temperature for the best incorporation.
Unsweetened cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor and provides body to the torte. Either Dutch-process or natural cocoa will work, though Dutch-process gives a smoother, deeper chocolate flavor.
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, espresso powder (if using), and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until just combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the torte has set and a thin crust forms on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 8 servings, making it perfect for a dinner party or family dessert. Each slice contains approximately 260 calories. The total time to prepare and bake this torte is about 35 minutes: 10 minutes for preparation and 25 minutes for baking. However, you'll also want to allow at least 30 minutes for cooling before serving.
Variations
Flavor Variations:
- Add ½ teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla for a subtle nutty flavor
- Incorporate 1 tablespoon of orange zest for a chocolate-orange torte
- Mix in ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon or cayenne pepper for a Mexican chocolate twist
- Substitute coffee liqueur for the espresso powder for an adult version
Topping Ideas:
- Drizzle with raspberry or caramel sauce before serving
- Top with a chocolate ganache for double chocolate indulgence
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or coffee gelato
- Arrange fresh raspberries, strawberries, or cherries on top
- Sprinkle with toasted sliced almonds or hazelnuts
Dietary Adaptations:
- Use dairy-free chocolate and vegan butter for a dairy-free version
- Reduce the sugar to ½ cup for a less sweet torte
- Use coconut sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store the torte covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The texture actually improves after a day in the fridge as the flavors deepen and the torte becomes more fudgy.
Freezing: This torte freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire torte (cooled completely) in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Serving from Cold: For the best flavor, remove the torte from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
Reheating: While typically served at room temperature or chilled, you can warm individual slices for 15-20 seconds in the microwave for a more molten center if desired.
FAQs
Why did my torte sink in the middle?
A slight sinking in the center is normal for flourless cakes as they cool. This happens because the cake rises during baking due to the air incorporated in the eggs, then settles as it cools. It's actually desirable for a fudgy interior!
Can I make this torte ahead of time?
Absolutely! This torte actually tastes better after resting for a day as the flavors deepen. Make it up to 2 days in advance, store in the refrigerator, and bring to room temperature before serving.
Is this torte truly gluten-free?
Yes, this torte contains no wheat or gluten-containing ingredients. However, always check your chocolate chips and cocoa powder labels to ensure they haven't been processed on equipment that also processes wheat products if you have celiac disease.
Why use espresso powder in a chocolate dessert?
Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without making the dessert taste like coffee. It's a baker's secret to intensifying chocolate flavor, but the recipe will still be delicious without it.
My torte cracked on top. Did I do something wrong?
Cracks on top are completely normal for this type of dessert and add to its rustic charm. If the appearance concerns you, simply dust with powdered sugar or cover with whipped cream or fruit.
Can I use a different size pan?
An 8-inch pan is ideal, but you can use a 9-inch pan with a slightly shorter baking time (check at 18 minutes). A smaller pan isn't recommended as the torte may overflow during baking.
How do I know when the torte is done baking?
The torte is done when the edges are set but the center still looks slightly underbaked. A toothpick inserted about 1 inch from the edge should come out mostly clean, while one inserted in the center should have a few moist crumbs.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but omit the additional salt in the recipe. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the total salt content.
My torte is too fudgy in the center. Did I underbake it?
This torte is meant to have a fudgy texture, especially in the center. If it's truly undercooked (very loose or liquid in the center), you can return it to the oven for a few more minutes. Otherwise, refrigerating the torte will firm it up.
What's the difference between a flourless chocolate torte and a flourless chocolate cake?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but traditionally, a torte is denser and richer than a cake, often made with little or no flour and sometimes including ground nuts. This recipe is a classic example of a torte.
Conclusion
This Flourless Chocolate Torte is proof that simplicity can deliver extraordinary results. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can create a sophisticated dessert that rivals those found in fine bakeries and restaurants. The intense chocolate flavor and luxurious texture make it perfect for special occasions, yet it's simple enough for an everyday indulgence.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility – serve it with different accompaniments to suit the season or your mood. Whether dressed up with fresh berries and whipped cream for a dinner party or enjoyed with a simple dusting of powdered sugar alongside your afternoon coffee, this torte never disappoints.
Beyond its delicious taste, this recipe has the added benefit of being naturally gluten-free, making it an inclusive option when entertaining guests with dietary restrictions. Its rich, fudgy character will satisfy everyone at the table, whether they avoid gluten or not.
Master this flourless chocolate torte, and you'll have a go-to dessert recipe in your repertoire that's sure to impress time and time again.
Flourless Chocolate Tort
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich, decadent, naturally gluten-free dessert made with just a few wholesome ingredients, perfect for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
½ cup unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional, enhances chocolate flavor)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch process or natural)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring frequently until smooth. Remove from heat.
- Stir in the sugar, salt, espresso powder (if using), and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition.
- Sift in the cocoa powder and stir until just combined and no lumps remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the torte has set and a thin crust forms on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the edge and carefully invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
- For enhanced chocolate flavor, use espresso powder.
- Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter.
- Use parchment paper to easily remove the torte from the pan.
- Serve with optional toppings like powdered sugar, berries, or whipped cream for added flavor and presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260 kcal
