© Copyright 2010. French Moments
FLOURLESS CHOCOLATE CAKE
Ingredients
200g 70% dark chocolate (lindt works well)
175g unsalted butter at room temperature. softened
125g soft brown sugar
200g ground almonds
4 eggs (separated)
icing
100g 70% dark chocolate
50g unsalted butter
Method
Heat the oven to 150º C grease and line a 25cm cake tin.
In a bowl over a saucepan of bowling water (a bain-marie) gently melt the chocolate.
In a large mixing bowl cream together the butter and sugar until creamy (use an electric whisk if you can),
then add the egg yolks, melted chocolate and ground almonds.
In a separate bowl whisk the egg whites until very stiff, gradually fold half into the chocolate mixture using a large metal spoon, then the other half.
Pour it into the cake tin and then bake for 35-40 minutes depending on your oven.
The cake should still be soft in the middle but firmer around the edges.
Leave to cool for 10-15 minutes before removing from the tin.
To make the icing melt the chocolate and butter in a bain-marie then carefully pour over the cake. Decorate as you wish (see tips below).
This cake tastes better the next day!
Decorating tips
We made a chocolate flower to go on top but you can leave it plain if you prefer - make sure the chocolate icing is almost cool before adding decoration.
To make a chocolate flower: melt 50g chocolate with a knob of butter and spread a thin layer on a plastic chopping board or marble, when cold and set use a large knife to go underneath and make a strip that you can roll into a flower / chocolate curls or other creative form!
Other ideas ... a big pile of mini Easter eggs for Easter, a mesh of caramel/ formed into a basket / fresh flowers / smarties / pipe a message / pile of strawberries / mini coloured macaroons/ fabric ribbon tied around the outside ... or a little shake or icing sugar always works wonders!
Use the best quality chocolate, eggs and butter you can ... you cannot cut corners with a chocolate cake ... it is only as good as its ingredients! This cake is simply a moist, rich chocolate cake that will always impress! Dress it up or down depending on the occasion. Decorating tips are below but be as creative as you like.
Gâteau au Chocolat sans farine
Quiche Lorraine - the recipe of the authentic Quiche Lorraine.
Beetroot and goat’s curd Verrine - an easy entrée for a dinner party or great as a canapé when made in smaller glasses.
Chocolate Truffles - recipe of the traditional French chocolate truffle.
Chocolate Mousse - A traditional French dessert found on almost any menu in France!