Name: Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (170g) dark chocolate chips; 8 Tbsp (113g) unsalted butter; ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar; ½ tsp Kosher salt; 1 tsp instant espresso powder; 1 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste; 3 large (150g) eggs, room temperature; ½ cup (50g) unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder, plus more for dusting; Raspberries, blackberries, or quartered strawberries; Fresh whipped cream

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 84 reviews

If you have a deep love for chocolate and crave a dessert that feels both indulgent and sophisticated, then this Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe is absolutely for you. Imagine a dessert that delivers an intense, rich cocoa flavor with a luscious, fudgy center, all wrapped in a thin, crisp crust that’s simply irresistible. What makes this cake even better is that it’s naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for any occasion where you want to impress without the fuss. Whether served with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream, this cake quickly becomes a beloved classic that everyone will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with two main layers of ingredients. The bottom layer contains shiny, dark chocolate chips with a smooth and round texture, clustered together and filling half the bowl. On top of the chocolate chips are several cubes of pale yellow butter, soft but holding their shape, scattered loosely over the chocolate. The bowl is simple and round, showing all the layers clearly from above. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe calls for a handful of straightforward, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a dessert that delights every sense. Each ingredient plays a vital role in building the cake’s dense texture, deep chocolate taste, and divine crumb.

Dark chocolate chips (1 cup / 170g): Use good-quality dark chocolate for a rich, bittersweet foundation.
Unsalted butter (8 Tbsp / 113g): Adds creamy richness and smooth consistency to the cake.
Granulated sugar (¾ cup / 150g): Sweetens and balances the intense bitterness of the chocolate.
Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the chocolate flavors, making them shine.
Instant espresso powder (1 tsp): Amplifies chocolate depth without adding a coffee taste.
Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (1 tsp): Brings warmth and complexity to the flavor profile.
Eggs (3 large / 150g): Provide structure and moisture for the flourless texture.
Unsweetened Dutch cocoa powder (½ cup / 50g plus extra for dusting): Delivers an intense cocoa punch while contributing to the fudgy consistency.
Fresh berries and whipped cream (for serving): These fresh accompaniments brighten each bite with a contrast in flavor and texture.

How to Make Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan thoroughly with baking spray or butter, then line the bottom with a round of parchment paper. This ensures the cake releases effortlessly once baked, keeping the edges intact and the presentation flawless.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Combine the dark chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture on high in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until everything is completely melted and smooth. This warm, glossy mixture is the luscious heart of your Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe, so be patient to achieve that velvety texture.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Sift together the granulated sugar, kosher salt, and instant espresso powder directly into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the vanilla extract, then whisk everything until well incorporated. Next, add the eggs one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to ensure a smooth and glossy batter. Finally, sift in the cocoa powder and gently fold it in for that unmistakable dense texture and chocolate richness.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour your perfectly combined batter into the prepared pan. Use an offset spatula to smooth the surface evenly. Bake for 25 minutes or until a shiny, thin crust forms on top. After baking, let it cool for five minutes in the pan, then loosen the edges with a knife and carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack or serving plate. Flip it once more to have it right side up. This step creates the ideal crust and moist interior contrast everyone raves about.

Step 5: Cool, Dust, and Serve

Allow your Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe to cool an additional 10 minutes. Then dust it lightly with cocoa powder for a simple elegant finish. Whether served warm, at room temperature, or chilled, it retains its luscious texture and intense chocolate flavor. Top with fresh berries and whipped cream to elevate every mouthful.

How to Serve Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

A close-up of a dark brown chocolate cake slice with a soft and dense texture, showing slight crumbs and a moist inside. The cake has one visible layer topped with a light dusting of fine cocoa powder, adding a dry, powdery texture on top. It is placed on crumpled light beige parchment paper, which rests on a white marbled surface. The background is softly blurred, focusing attention on the rich cake slice. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cocoa powder is stunning on its own, but fresh raspberries, blackberries, or quartered strawberries add a vibrant pop of color and a tangy contrast to the cake’s richness. A cloud of homemade whipped cream rounds out the experience with lightness and creaminess, making each bite irresistible.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce for extra indulgence. Light, fresh fruit salad or a cup of rich espresso also complement the dessert beautifully, creating a balanced end to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve slices on elegant dessert plates garnished with edible flowers or mint leaves. You can layer thin slices between whipped cream in a glass for a soufflé-inspired dessert cup. The Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe is versatile enough to adapt to your style—whether rustic or refined.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerated for up to a week. Keeping it in an airtight container preserves the moist, fudgy texture that makes this recipe so special.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this cake later, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly first in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. Frozen cake keeps well for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To savor your Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe warm, pop slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This quick reheat brings the fudgy center back to life without drying it out, almost like fresh-baked.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

While milk chocolate will make the cake sweeter and less intense, it’s best to stick with dark chocolate (at least 60-70% cocoa) to achieve the rich, fudgy texture and flavor the recipe is known for.

Why doesn’t this cake use flour?

This is a flourless cake, meaning eggs are the binding agent creating structure while keeping the texture dense and fudgy. It’s naturally gluten-free and has a melt-in-your-mouth quality unlike traditional cakes.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Look for a thin, shiny crust forming on top and slight cracking around the edges. The center will still feel a bit soft when you gently press, which is perfect for that fudgy interior.

Can I make this cake vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs and butter for its texture and richness, so it’s not easily adapted to vegan diets without impacting the signature fudginess and density.

What’s the best way to serve leftover cake?

Leftovers are delicious at room temperature with fresh fruit or gently warmed and paired with whipped cream or ice cream. Either way, the flavor and texture remain absolutely divine.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that feels both luxurious and approachable, the Dense & Fudgy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a celebration of pure chocolate goodness without any complicated steps or obscure ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and prepare to fall in love with every rich, decadent bite—you won’t regret it!