This easy flourless chocolate cake is amazingly rich and decadent. Every bite is packed with fudge-like chocolate flavor, and it will definitely satisfy all your chocolate cravings.
Grease a 9-inch springform pan with some butter and line the bottom with parchment paper. Set aside.
Pour water in a small saucepan; water should come up about 2 inches; set it over medium heat and bring to a simmer; decrease heat to low.
Put a metal bowl (or a heat-proof bowl) over the saucepan; to the top bowl, add the chocolate and butter; using a rubber spatula, stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
In the meantime, in a separate large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks with an electric mixer for 5 minutes, or until thickened and bright yellow.
Gradually beat in the melted chocolate mixture. Set aside.
In a separate large bowl add the egg whites and cream of tartar.
Clean the beaters and beat the egg whites on medium speed until foamy.
Gradually add the powdered sweetener or sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat on high after each addition until the sugar is completely combined.
Add in the salt and vanilla, and continue beating on high until stiff and glossy peaks form.
Using a spatula, fold ¼ of the egg whites mixture into the chocolate mixture.
Then, fold in the remaining egg whites. Fold, do not mix, until incorporated, smooth, and chocolaty.
Transfer the mixture to the springform cake pan.
Bake for 30 to 32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out with moist crumbs. Start checking for doneness around the 28-minute mark.
Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack.
Once cooled, loosen the sides of the cake by running a knife all around the edges of the pan.
Remove the rim from the pan.
Dust the cake with cocoa powder or confectioner’s sugar.
Add chocolate shavings and raspberries, slice, and serve.
Notes
Separating Eggs: Let eggs sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before separating.
Chocolate: You don't have to use sugar-free dark chocolate. You can also use semi-sweet chocolate, milk chocolate, etc.
Sweetener: To keep the carbohydrates lower, I used powdered sweetener, but you can also use regular powdered sugar.
Create Steam: This flourless chocolate cake may benefit from a steamy baking environment. Try placing an ovenproof dish with hot water in the oven to generate steam while the cake bakes. It's a simple step that will enhance the cake's texture.
Avoid Overbaking: For the best result, consider taking the cake out of the oven slightly "early," or when a toothpick inserted into the center has a few moist crumbs on it.
Enhance the Flavor: To deepen the chocolate flavor, consider blending a spoonful of espresso or cocoa powder into the melted chocolate. Some cooks even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a unique twist.