Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

If you’ve ever wanted a chocolate cake that’s insanely rich, fudgy, and melts in your mouth—all without a speck of flour—then you’re in for a treat. This Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe hits every note perfectly. Seriously, it’s one of my all-time favorites when I want a dessert that feels super special but is actually pretty straightforward to pull off. Grab your apron, and let me show you how to make this luscious, dense cake that everyone will rave about!

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe gets its magic from quality chocolate and rich butter, balanced perfectly by whipped eggs and sugar. Each ingredient plays a starring role, so I always recommend using the best chocolate bar you can find—trust me, you’ll taste the difference!

• Unsalted Butter: It melts smoothly into the chocolate and adds that rich, creamy mouthfeel you crave.
• Premium Chocolate Bar: I use 60% Ghirardelli because it strikes the ideal balance between bittersweet and sweet—feel free to pick your favorite!
• Instant Coffee (Optional): Enhances the chocolate’s depth without adding overt coffee flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla brings warmth and layers complexity into the chocolate notes.
• Large Eggs (Room Temperature): They’re the secret to lightening up this dense cake and help it rise despite no flour.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake and whips up with eggs to create an airy batter.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the chocolate’s flavor.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds intense chocolate flavor and gives the cake structure.
• Chocolate Ganache (Optional): Made from chocolate and cream, it’s the perfect decadent glaze to finish your masterpiece.
• Homemade Whipped Cream (Optional): Adds a light, airy contrast to the dense cake.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe is super forgiving and versatile, so you can easily make it your own. Over time, I’ve played around with everything from different chocolates to adding a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick—don’t be afraid to experiment!

• Variation: I once tried swapping out the vanilla for almond extract, and it gave a lovely nutty depth—definitely worth trying if you want a twist.
• Dietary Modifications: For dairy-free, use vegan butter and check your chocolate is dairy-free—results might be slightly different but still delightful.
• Seasonal Changes: Add fresh raspberries on top in summer or sprinkle with flaky sea salt in winter for a cozy finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Melt Your Chocolate and Butter the Easy Way

Start by chopping your premium chocolate and placing it with the butter in a heatproof bowl. I use the microwave method: 15-second bursts, stirring in between, until everything’s melted and silky smooth. This helps prevent scorching, which can happen quick with chocolate. Stir in the instant coffee and vanilla extract to deepen flavors. Set this aside for a moment—no need to cool it completely, just let it sit.

Step 2: Whip Eggs and Sugar Until Fluffy Clouds Appear

This step is where you build the airiness without flour. In a large bowl (or stand mixer), beat your room temperature eggs with sugar and salt at high speed—think around 5 minutes by hand mixer or less with a stand mixer—until the mix doubles in volume and looks pale and fluffy. This aeration is key for the light texture in your flourless cake, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Combine Chocolate with Your Egg Mixture

Switch your mixer to low and slowly drizzle the warm chocolate mixture into the whipped eggs. This slow addition keeps things smooth and prevents curdling. After adding all the chocolate, bump the speed up again for a moment so everything blends beautifully into a luscious batter.

Step 4: Fold in Cocoa Powder Gently

Don’t forget this part! Sift the cocoa powder over your batter and fold it in with a spatula. Folding, not mixing, keeps the air bubbles intact, which results in a tender, moist cake. Get all those streaks out, but be gentle.

Step 5: Bake, Chill, and Serve

Pour your batter into a parchment-lined 8-inch springform pan, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30-35 minutes. The edges will look set, but the center should still jiggle slightly—that’s perfect. Let it cool fully at room temp, then chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours or overnight. The chilling helps the texture set and deepens the flavors. When ready, smear some cooled chocolate ganache on top, slice with a hot knife (running it under warm water and drying it as you go), and enjoy!

How to Serve Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this cake topped with freshly whipped cream and a handful of plump, juicy berries—raspberries or strawberries are my go-to because their tartness balances the cake’s rich sweetness. Sometimes I sprinkle a tiny pinch of sea salt on the ganache for that wow factor.

Side Dishes

For a full dessert course, I’ll often add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche alongside. The cold creaminess melts into the dense chocolate and adds a lovely contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve decorated this cake with edible gold leaf and fresh mint leaves to add a touch of elegance. Another fun idea is to dust a little powdered sugar or cocoa through a festive stencil atop the ganache surface—instant wow!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers covered in the fridge, either in the springform pan wrapped with plastic or transferred to an airtight container. It keeps well for up to 4 days without drying out.

Freezing

Yep, this Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe freezes beautifully! I slice the cake first, separate pieces with parchment paper, then freeze them in a sealed container. When I want a quick dessert, just thaw in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To serve slightly warm slices, I gently zap the piece in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and brings out the aroma without drying the cake.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s comfort food meets elegance. It’s the dessert I turn to when I want to impress without stress, and when I bring it to gatherings, people always ask for seconds. Trust me, once you make it, you’ll cherish having this velvety, rich cake in your repertoire—you’re going to love sharing it as much as eating it!

Print