Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

If you’re craving an indulgent yet surprisingly simple dessert, this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe is going to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how rich and velvety this cake feels in your mouth, and you won’t believe how easy it is to whip up. No flour means it’s naturally gluten-free, but don’t let that fool you — every bite is decadently chocolatey and just the right amount of dense. Stick with me here, and I’ll share everything you need to know to pull this off perfectly in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Chocolate Flavor: The semisweet chocolate melts perfectly with butter for deep, luscious taste.
  • Gluten-Free Goodness: No flour means it’s naturally gluten-free without any special substitutions.
  • Impressively Simple: Few ingredients and straightforward steps make it doable even for busy or beginner bakers.
  • Elegant Yet Homely: It looks fancy but feels like a warm hug—perfect for family dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe are surprisingly humble, but when combined, magic happens. I recommend using the best quality chocolate you can find because that’s where a big part of the flavor shines through.

Flat lay of five large whole eggs with clean shells, a small mound of chopped semisweet chocolate, several cubes of creamy butter, a small white bowl of fine white granulated sugar, a small white bowl containing cream of tartar powder, another small white bowl with confectioners' sugar, placed neatly on a simple white ceramic plate and bowls, arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Flourless Chocolate Torte, Chocolate Torte, Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, Easy Chocolate Dessert, Rich Chocolate Torte
  • Eggs: Separating the yolks and whites is key to getting the perfect airy texture.
  • Semisweet Chocolate: A good quality bar is essential for rich, balanced chocolate flavor.
  • Butter: Cubed so it melts evenly with the chocolate, adding smoothness and richness.
  • Cream of Tartar: Helps stabilize the egg whites when whipping for that fluffy finish.
  • Sugar: Gradually folded into the egg whites to give sweetness and structure.
  • Confectioners’ Sugar (Optional): Just a dusting on top for a little extra elegance and sweetness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe is how flexible it is—feel free to make it your own! I’ve tried a few variations over the years, and each brings a little something different to the table.

  • Adding Espresso Powder: I discovered this trick and it really amplifies the chocolate flavor without tasting like coffee.
  • Orange Zest Twist: A bit of fresh zest folded into the batter adds a bright, citrusy note that’s refreshing.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Swap the butter for coconut oil to keep it luscious but suited for dairy-free diets.
  • Nutty Crunch: Topping the torte with toasted almonds or hazelnuts gives a delightful contrast in texture.

How to Make Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Workspace

Start by taking your egg whites out of the fridge and letting them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This little step makes whisking them to stiff peaks so much easier. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9-inch springform pan well—you don’t want this beauty sticking when it comes time to serving.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Set up a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over gently simmering water, and melt the chopped chocolate with the cubed butter together. Keep stirring until it’s smooth and glossy—this mixture is the heart of your torte. Then step it off the heat and let it cool slightly so it doesn’t scramble your eggs later.

Step 3: Whip Egg Yolks and Combine

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they’re thick and lemon-colored. This takes a few minutes but is so worth it. Then slowly beat the cooled chocolate mixture into the yolks. I like to do this carefully to keep the texture velvety smooth—no lumps, no streaks!

Step 4: Whip Egg Whites to Stiff Peaks

This is the trickiest part but also so satisfying. Using clean beaters, whisk the egg whites with cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, increasing to high speed after each addition until you get stiff, glossy peaks. If your peaks aren’t holding, double-check your cream of tartar and make sure no yolk sneaked in!

Step 5: Fold Whites into Chocolate Mixture

This is where patience pays off. Fold about a fourth of the egg whites into the chocolate-yolk mix gently to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining whites. I learned the hard way that aggressive folding can deflate your batter and make it dense—so think gentle, slow, and deliberate.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Pour your mixture into the prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’re aiming for a just-set center: a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter. Overbaking will dry out your torte, so keep an eye on it starting at 40 minutes. Cool it completely on a wire rack—this helps it set fully and makes removing the rim easier.

Step 7: Serve with Style

Once cooled and released from the pan, dust with confectioners’ sugar if you like. I love how it adds a delicate touch that balances the rich chocolate underneath.

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Pro Tips for Making Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

  • Room Temperature Egg Whites: Always let your egg whites sit out for half an hour—it whips to better volume that way.
  • Don’t Rush Folding: Gently fold to keep the airiness, or you’ll lose that lovely light crumb.
  • Check Your Bake Early: Start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
  • Use a Springform Pan: It makes removing the torte without damage so much easier.

How to Serve Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

Two slices of chocolate cake are placed on white plates on a wooden table. Each slice has one layer, dark brown in color and dense in texture, with a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. Both plates have a silver fork resting beside the cake slice. In the background, there is a whole cake on a white plate, with one slice missing, and two glasses of milk. The scene is light and warm with a white marbled texture visible near the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Flourless Chocolate Torte, Chocolate Torte, Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake, Easy Chocolate Dessert, Rich Chocolate Torte

Garnishes

I love to keep things simple by dusting confectioners’ sugar on top, but sometimes I add fresh raspberries or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness and add a touch of brightness. Toasted nuts sprinkled on top? Yes, please. These little touches make the torte truly shine.

Side Dishes

Pairing this with something tart or creamy is my go-to. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a raspberry coulis complements the dense chocolate perfectly. If you want a non-dessert option, think about serving it alongside a simple fruit salad for some freshness on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthdays or special dinners, I like to serve slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of chocolate ganache and edible gold leaf touches for a wow factor. Sometimes stacking small torte rounds with layers of whipped cream and berries creates a gorgeous mini dessert tower. It’s showy but totally doable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This torte keeps beautifully covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. I wrap mine tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing fridge smells. It often tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had time to meld.

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, I’ve frozen slices wrapped in parchment and foil for a month with great results. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture stays surprisingly creamy and delicious once thawed.

Reheating

I don’t usually reheat this cake because it’s fantastic cold or at room temperature. But if you want a warm bite, a quick 10-15 second zap in the microwave brings out a molten center without turning it rubbery.

FAQs

  1. Can I use dark chocolate instead of semisweet for this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe?

    Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will give a more intense, slightly bitter flavor, which some people love. Just keep in mind that the bitterness might be more pronounced, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels slightly if you prefer it sweeter.

  2. Why is cream of tartar used in this recipe?

    Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites when you whip them, helping them hold their fluffy structure. This is crucial for giving your torte that light yet dense texture. If you don’t have cream of tartar, a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar can sometimes work as a substitute.

  3. Can I make this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe ahead for a party?

    Yes! This torte actually tastes better after it’s rested for several hours or overnight. You can bake it a day ahead, store it in the refrigerator, and bring it to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.

  4. What’s the best way to remove the torte from the springform pan?

    Run a thin knife around the edge to loosen the sides once the cake is completely cool. Then gently unlatch the springform rim. This avoids cracks or sticking and keeps your torte looking neat and classy.

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe, I was blown away by how simple and stunning it was — no flour, yet so rich and tender. It’s become my go-to dessert when I want something a little special but don’t want to fuss too much. I truly think you’ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as my family does. So go ahead, give it a try and treat yourself to a slice (or two!) of chocolate bliss.

Print
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Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

Flourless Chocolate Torte Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including cooling)
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A rich and decadent Flourless Chocolate Torte that is dense, fudgy, and intensely chocolaty, perfect for special occasions or any chocolate lover. This gluten-free dessert is made without flour, relying on eggs and chocolate for structure and a moist, luscious texture.


Ingredients

Scale

Eggs

  • 5 large eggs, separated

Chocolate and Butter

  • 12 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 3/4 cup butter, cubed

Other Ingredients

  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • Confectioners’ sugar, optional for dusting

Instructions

  1. Prepare Egg Whites: Place the egg whites in a large bowl and let them stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps them whip more easily.
  2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Set up a double boiler or place a metal bowl over barely simmering water. Add the chopped semisweet chocolate and cubed butter, stirring until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
  3. Beat Egg Yolks: In a separate large bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are thick and lemon-colored. Then beat in the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined.
  4. Whip Egg Whites: Using clean beaters, begin beating the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium speed until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar dissolves. Continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
  5. Fold Mixtures: Gently fold a quarter of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate and egg yolk mixture to lighten it. Then carefully fold in the remaining egg whites until no streaks remain, taking care not to deflate the mixture.
  6. Bake: Transfer the batter to a greased 9-inch springform pan. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Avoid overbaking to keep the torte moist.
  7. Cool and Serve: Let the torte cool completely on a wire rack. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake, then remove the springform pan rim. If desired, dust the top lightly with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Notes

  • Letting the egg whites come to room temperature before whipping improves volume and texture.
  • When folding the egg whites into the chocolate batter, fold gently to retain airiness and avoid a dense torte.
  • The torte is gluten-free, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
  • Don’t overbake; the center should remain slightly moist for the perfect fudgy texture.
  • If you don’t have a springform pan, a regular cake pan can be used but may be harder to remove the torte intact.
  • Dusting with confectioners’ sugar is optional but adds a nice finishing touch for presentation.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of torte)
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 27 g
  • Sodium: 65 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 160 mg

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