Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

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If you are craving a dessert that combines rich, intense chocolate flavor with a melt-in-your-mouth texture, look no further than this Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe. It’s a luscious, fudgy cake that manages to feel indulgent yet simple, making it a perfect treat whether you’re impressing guests or just spoiling yourself. The silky ganache topping adds just the right amount of creaminess to balance the dense chocolate base, resulting in a dessert that feels special but is surprisingly straightforward to make. I guarantee this cake will become your new go-to for all things chocolate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients may be few, but each one plays a vital role in bringing this cake to life. From the glossy semi-sweet chocolate that forms the flavor foundation to the rich butter that ensures a tender crumb, every item here is essential – simple pantry staples that combine to create deep, unforgettable flavor and perfect fudgy texture.

• 1 cup + 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips: Provides that melting, luxurious chocolate base that defines the cake’s flavor.
• 1 cup salted butter (2 sticks): Adds moisture and richness, balancing the chocolate’s intensity with a silky smooth texture.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed): Enhances depth with subtle molasses notes and helps keep the cake moist.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the cake’s delicate crust.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Amplifies the chocolate flavor by balancing sweetness and enhancing all the other ingredients.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity, rounding out the intense chocolatey notes.
• 3 large eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake while keeping it dense yet tender.
• 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (sifted): Delivers extra chocolate punch and a gorgeous dark color without any flour.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious texture of the ganache topping.
• 2/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Forms the rich base for the silky ganache that coats the cake.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Added to the ganache to give it a shiny, smooth finish and boost richness.

How to Make Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F and generously spray an 8-inch springform pan with nonstick spray, coating both the bottom and sides thoroughly. This simple prep ensures your cake comes out effortlessly without sticking, giving you a flawless finish every time.

Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter

Combine 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of semi-sweet chocolate chips with 1 cup salted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each burst until the mixture is mostly melted. Take care not to scorch the chocolate – patience here will reward you with a beautifully smooth batter.

Step 3: Sweeten and Flavor

Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract straight into the melted chocolate and butter mixture. Mixing these ingredients now infuses the batter with depth, sweetness, and a lovely aromatic hint that complements the chocolate perfectly.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Add the eggs one by one, beating them in well. This step is crucial for structure—it binds the ingredients while keeping the cake wonderfully fudgy and dense, not cakey or dry.

Step 5: Add Cocoa Powder

Sift in the unsweetened cocoa powder carefully, folding it into the batter just until no streaks remain. Like brownie batter, you want to mix gently here to keep the texture flawless — overmixing can make the cake tough.

Step 6: Pour and Bake

Transfer the batter into your prepared springform pan and smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 32 minutes at 325°F. The key is to take the cake out when the center still jiggles slightly, much like a cheesecake. This gives you that perfect fudgy inside with edges that lift delicately.

Step 7: Cool Smartly

Once out of the oven, place the cake near the warm oven or on top if you can. Cooling slowly prevents cracks and helps the cake set up evenly. Give it ample time to come to room temperature before moving on to the decadent ganache step.

Step 8: Prepare the Ganache

Warm the heavy cream in short bursts until it just bubbles around the edges—never boiling. Pour this hot cream over the remaining 2/3 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and let sit for a minute to soften the chocolate before whisking until perfectly smooth. Stir in the extra butter for that silky finish that will make the ganache shine.

Step 9: Top and Chill

Pour the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it drape luxuriously. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for about an hour or leave at room temperature for a couple of hours to set. This step locks in that rich, glossy topping that makes this recipe truly special.

Step 10: Final Touches

Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it from the pan, then release the springform. To serve, dust lightly with cocoa powder or powdered sugar, or get creative with whipped cream and fresh berries. The presentation possibilities with this Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe are endless and always stunning.

How to Serve Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe

Garnishes

Simple and elegant garnishes like a dusting of cocoa powder or powdered sugar can highlight the cake’s rich chocolate tones. Fresh whipped cream or a handful of vibrant berries such as raspberries or strawberries add a light, fruity contrast and an inviting pop of color. For extra flair, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle flaky sea salt for a salty-sweet sensation.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of crème fraîche to balance the deep chocolate richness. Lightly toasted nuts like sliced almonds or pistachios add a crunchy textural contrast, making every bite exciting and sumptuous. Fresh fruit salad with citrus notes creates a refreshing counterpoint to the dense chocolate.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual slices on elegant plates with decorative swirls of ganache or peanut butter drizzle. Layer slices with alternating whipped cream and fresh berries for a dramatic plated dessert. You can also cut smaller squares and present them as bite-sized treats for parties—easy to enjoy, perfect for sharing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays delicious for a day at room temperature if well covered, keeping the ganache perfectly glossy and soft. After 24 hours, storing it in the refrigerator is best to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it moist and prevent odors from other foods.

Freezing

For longer storage, this Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake securely in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best texture. Ganache may slightly firm up but can be softened with a brief warming.

Reheating

If you prefer your cake slightly warm, you can gently reheat slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This softens the ganache and warms the fudge center but avoid overheating as it may alter the texture. Alternatively, bringing slices to room temperature after refrigeration restores the perfect balance of soft ganache and tender cake.

FAQs

Can I use a regular cake pan instead of a springform pan?

Absolutely! You can bake this cake in an 8-inch regular cake pan. Just be sure to line it with parchment paper or grease and flour it well to prevent sticking. After baking, you may need to invert the cake onto a plate before adding the ganache.

Is this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Since it contains no flour, this cake is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone avoiding gluten but still craving a seriously decadent chocolate dessert.

Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips?

Yes, you can swap semisweet for dark or bittersweet chocolate chips, but keep in mind this will adjust the cake’s sweetness and bitterness. Choose a chocolate you love eating on its own to get the best flavor results.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to gently shake the pan. The center should wiggle slightly just like the edges. If it’s too liquidy or sloshy, it needs a few more minutes. Also, a toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, never dry or completely clean.

Can I make the ganache ahead of time?

You can prepare the ganache a day ahead and refrigerate it. When ready to use, warm it gently until pourable again. This can save you time on the day you serve your cake and keeps the ganache ultra fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the richness and simplicity of this Easy Flourless Chocolate Cake with Ganache Recipe. It strikes that perfect balance between indulgent and effortless, making it a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, give this recipe a try and treat yourself to a slice of pure chocolate bliss. I promise, once you taste it, this cake will have a permanent place in your dessert repertoire.

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