Flourless Chocolate Orange Cake

Oh boy, if you’re in the mood for something rich and utterly blissful, then this flourless chocolate orange cake is calling your name! Just picture it: a silky smooth chocolate cake, living its best life with a hint of bright orange zest… it’s like a little bite of heaven, really! And here’s the best part—it’s gluten-free, which is fantastic for those who need it. So, whether it’s a special occasion or just a cozy evening at home, this cake is seriously going to satisfy that chocolate craving and bring a smile to your face!

Why You’ll Crave It

• It’s super easy to whip up—seriously, you’ll just melt, mix, and bake!
• The combination of chocolate and orange is a match made in dessert heaven.
• It looks fancy enough for guests but is totally cozy for family dessert nights.
• Not only is it gluten-free, but it’s also incredibly rich and satisfying.
• Perfect with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.

My family fights over the last slice, no kidding… it’s that good!

What You’ll Need

• 8 ounces of bittersweet chocolate: chopped into chunks—get the good stuff for that deep flavor!
• ½ cup of unsalted butter: melted, because butter = flavor!
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar: gotta have that sweetness to balance things out.
• 3 large eggs: these will give it that lovely richness.
• 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract: for that aromatic warmth.
• Zest of 1 orange: brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
• ¼ teaspoon of salt: brings out the chocolate flavor, trust me.
• ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder: for that dark, luscious texture.

Easy How-To

Let’s Get Started!

Alright, first things first—preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 180°C). While that’s heating up, grab a 9-inch round cake pan, grease it well, and line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps with that dramatic cake reveal later! Then, in a medium saucepan over low heat, combine those chopped chocolate and butter pieces—stir it gently until it’s all melted and smooth. Take it off the heat and just let it chill for a minute, ok?

Now, in a separate large bowl, you’re going to whisk those eggs together with the sugar and orange zest… whisk, whisk, whisk until it’s light and a bit fluffy, which takes just a minute or two. Then, slowly stir in that cooled chocolate mixture. It’s all coming together, yay! Next, sift in the cocoa powder and salt, and gently fold it all until it’s just combined. A little tip—be careful not to overmix, or you’ll lose that nice texture.

Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, making sure to smooth the top. Pop that beauty in the oven for about 25 to 30 minutes… the edges will look set while the middle is still a bit soft—that’s what you want! Then let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before inverting it onto a rack. Let it cool completely, and if you want to take it up a notch, dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving!

Good to Know

• If you want an extra kick of orange, a splash of orange liqueur in the batter works wonders.
• High-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa) is key for that decadent flavor!
• This cake keeps at room temperature for about three days, or a week if you pop it in the fridge.

Serving Ideas

• Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a side of fresh berries—go on, you deserve it!

Top Tricks

• Melting chocolate can easily be done in the microwave, just do it in short bursts to avoid burning!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different citrus zest?

Absolutely! Lemon or lime zest can be a fun twist if you’re feeling adventurous—just keep in mind the flavor differences!

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the fridge for about a week. But let’s be real—leftovers might not last that long!

Can I freeze this cake?

You sure can! Just wrap it well in plastic and aluminum foil, and it’ll be good in the freezer for up to two months. Totally worth it for a last-minute dessert!

What does flourless mean?

Flourless means we’re skipping flour altogether. Instead, this cake uses the magic of eggs and chocolate to provide that luscious, fudgy texture we all love.

Conclusion

So there you have it—this flourless chocolate orange cake is like a warm hug in dessert form. It’s rich, it’s chocolatey, with a lovely citrus twist… who wouldn’t want to dive into a slice? Plus, the fact that it’s gluten-free makes it even more special. Treat yourself or impress some friends with this beautiful cake that’s so easy to make, yet always a hit!

More recipes suggestions and combinations

Chocolate Raspberry Cake

For a twist, try pairing chocolate with tart raspberries. A raspberry sauce drizzled on top makes for a beautiful presentation.

Orange Almond Cake

Incorporate almonds for additional texture and flavor. The combination of almond and orange gives a delightful nutty undertone.

Chocolate Espresso Cake

Add espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor, creating a rich and sophisticated dessert that coffee lovers will enjoy.

Coconut Lime Cake

Switch the orange for lime and add coconut for a tropical flavor burst. The combination of coconut and lime is refreshing and unique.

Chocolate Mint Cake

Introduce mint extract or crushed mint leaves to the batter for a refreshing chocolate mint experience, perfect for after-dinner indulgence.