Flourless Chocolate Torte is a rich, decadent dessert that highlights the pure, intense flavor of dark chocolate. I love how it delivers all the indulgence of a classic chocolate cake without any flour just a smooth, velvety texture that melts in my mouth with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I adore this torte for its simplicity and sophistication. With just a few basic ingredients, it creates a dessert that feels truly luxurious. The dark chocolate gives it a deep, bittersweet richness, while the butter and eggs create a silky structure that’s both dense and light. I also love how versatile it is — perfect on its own, dusted with cocoa powder, or topped with fresh berries and whipped cream.
Ingredients
(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)
Dark chocolate – 8 oz (about 225g) – Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor
Butter – 1/2 cup (115g) – Room temperature for smooth mixing
Eggs – 4 large – Fresh eggs for better texture and fluffiness
Sugar – 1 cup (200g) – Granulated sugar for the perfect balance of sweetness
Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon – Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor
Salt – 1/4 teaspoon – Helps intensify the chocolate flavor
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 °F (190 °C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heatproof bowl along with the butter. Melt them together over a double boiler (or in the microwave in 20-second bursts), stirring until smooth and glossy.
- Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs one at a time, whisking thoroughly after each addition until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt. The batter should be rich and shiny.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly moist — I love that soft, fudgy center.
- Let the torte cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. Cool completely before serving.
- For serving, I often dust the top with cocoa powder or powdered sugar and add a few fresh berries for color.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 8–10 slices.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Cooling time: 1 hour
Total time: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes
Variations
- Espresso Infusion: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate for deeper flavor.
- Spiced Torte: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm, subtle kick.
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/4 cup of finely ground almonds or hazelnuts for a delicate nut flavor.
- Glazed Finish: Pour a shiny chocolate ganache over the cooled torte for extra indulgence.
- Citrus Accent: Add a bit of orange zest to the batter for a bright, aromatic contrast to the dark chocolate.
Storage/Reheating
I store the torte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate it for up to 5 days. For longer storage, I wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, I let it come to room temperature — the flavor deepens and the texture softens beautifully. If I prefer it slightly warm, I reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
I prefer dark chocolate because it gives the torte its signature intensity, but milk chocolate can work for a sweeter version.
Why does the torte not use flour?
The eggs and chocolate provide structure, while the absence of flour keeps it dense, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop and the texture becomes richer.
How do I know when it’s baked perfectly?
The edges should be set, but the center should look slightly underbaked — it firms up as it cools.
Can I freeze the torte?
Absolutely. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Do I need to use a water bath?
No, this recipe bakes beautifully without one. The torte’s texture stays smooth and moist without extra steps.
Can I add toppings?
Yes, I love serving it with whipped cream, raspberries, or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
What kind of chocolate should I use?
I always use high-quality chocolate with at least 60–70% cocoa for the best depth of flavor.
Why did my torte crack on top?
A slight crack is normal — it adds rustic charm. Overbaking or rapid cooling can cause deeper cracks.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, though the texture will be slightly different.
Conclusion
I love how this Flourless Chocolate Torte turns simple ingredients into something truly elegant. Every bite is smooth, rich, and deeply chocolatey — the kind of dessert that satisfies any chocolate craving. Whether for a dinner party or a quiet evening indulgence, it’s a classic I return to again and again for its pure, irresistible flavor.
PrintFlourless Chocolate Torte
Flourless Chocolate Torte is a rich, decadent dessert that showcases the deep, intense flavor of dark chocolate in a smooth, velvety texture. With no flour, it’s naturally gluten-free and perfectly indulgent for any chocolate lover.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: European
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, room temperature
4 large eggs
1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
- Melt dark chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
- Remove from heat and whisk in sugar until fully combined.
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the batter is thick and glossy.
- Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and let cool completely.
- Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor.
Do not overbake — the center should remain slightly soft for a fudgy texture.
Serve at room temperature for the best flavor and consistency.
Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 130mg