Decadent & Easy Gluten-Free Flourless Chocolate Torte: Your Ultimate One-Bowl Dessert
Experience the ultimate chocolate indulgence with this fudgy, rich, and intensely decadent gluten-free flourless chocolate torte. This incredibly easy, one-bowl dessert appears far more impressive than the minimal effort it actually requires. Whether you serve it simply or dress it up, this torte is guaranteed to satisfy even the most intense chocolate cravings. This particular recipe is thoughtfully crafted to be free of wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame, making it a truly versatile and allergy-friendly delight for almost any occasion.
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Why This Flourless Chocolate Torte Will Be Your New Favorite Dessert
This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a culinary revelation that combines intense chocolate flavor with an incredibly simple preparation. Tortes, by definition, are dense, rich cakes that typically use little to no flour, and they don’t rise as much as traditional sponge cakes. The resulting taste and texture of this particular torte perfectly bridge the gap between a moist, fudgy brownie and a deeply satisfying, dense cake. While some may mistakenly refer to it as “flourless chocolate cake,” the essence of its richness and compact structure truly aligns with a torte, and either term is perfectly fine when describing this delicious creation.
One of the many reasons to adore this torte is its sheer decadence. A single 9-inch torte generously serves around 12 people, depending on how thinly you slice it. Its rich, intense flavor means that a small, elegant slice is often all you need to feel completely satisfied – a stark contrast to the larger portions often desired with lighter cakes. It’s a dessert that encourages mindful enjoyment, allowing you to savor every bite without feeling the need for an oversized piece.
For those who like to find silver linings, this torte offers a slightly different nutritional profile than traditional cakes. With its higher egg content, it naturally boasts more protein, and the absence of flour means fewer carbohydrates. While it remains an indulgent treat, these subtle differences can make you feel a little better when enjoying a slice!
What truly sets this recipe apart is its remarkable simplicity. Forget complicated baking techniques like whipping egg whites separately, sifting dry ingredients multiple times, or even needing a double boiler. This is a true one-bowl wonder, requiring only a microwave for melting and your hands for mixing. No stand mixer, no electric beaters – just straightforward, simple steps that yield a dessert so elegant, it feels like it came from a high-end bakery. It’s a testament to how easy a fancy dessert can genuinely be!
Beyond its inherent deliciousness, this torte is incredibly versatile in its presentation. Enjoy it warm and plain for a comforting treat, or elevate it into a show-stopping centerpiece. You can dust it with powdered sugar, swirl chocolate sauce onto the plate before serving, or adorn it with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla or mint ice cream. It’s the perfect canvas for however fancy or simple your mood dictates.
Is This Flourless Chocolate Torte Truly Gluten-Free?
Absolutely, this flourless chocolate torte is inherently gluten-free, thanks to the complete absence of wheat flour. However, for individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, simply being “flourless” isn’t always enough. It’s crucial to exercise diligence and carefully read every ingredient label to ensure there are no hidden gluten-containing additives or risks of cross-contamination from manufacturing processes.
To guarantee the torte is safe for your specific needs, choose trusted, certified gluten-free brands for all remaining ingredients, particularly cocoa powder, butter, and chocolate bars. Never assume safety; always verify. Investing a little extra time in checking labels ensures every component of this delicious recipe aligns with your dietary requirements.
One of the greatest advantages of this recipe is its universal appeal. Even those who don’t follow a gluten-free diet will rave about its rich taste and luxurious texture. This makes it an ideal dessert for gatherings with a mixed audience, as everyone can enjoy it without feeling like they’re missing out. Furthermore, it’s a fantastic option for bakers who want to create a delicious chocolate dessert for a gluten-intolerant friend without the hassle of navigating different gluten-free flour blends or their often higher costs. It’s a simple, elegant solution for satisfying that deep chocolate craving, effortlessly crossing dietary boundaries.
Choosing the Right Chocolate for Your Torte
The quality of your chocolate is paramount in a recipe like this, where chocolate is the star ingredient. You’ll want to use a high-quality chocolate bar, specifically designed for baking, rather than standard candy bars (like Hershey’s). These premium baking chocolates are typically found in the baking aisle, not among the confectionery.
I strongly advise against using chocolate chips. While convenient, most chocolate chips contain stabilizers and less cocoa butter, which can prevent them from melting smoothly and negatively impact the torte’s final texture and ability to set properly. For the best results, stick to a solid chocolate bar that you can chop yourself.
For this recipe, I personally used Baker’s Semi-Sweet Bar, which typically has around 56% cacao. This percentage provides a rich chocolate flavor without being overly bitter, which I prefer. However, you can certainly experiment with other high-quality brands like Lindt or Ghirardelli. If you lean towards a more intense, darker chocolate experience, feel free to choose a bar with a higher cacao percentage, ideally staying within the 50-70% range for optimal flavor balance and texture.
Regarding cocoa powder, I’ve had excellent results with unsweetened cocoa powder, such as Great Value Baking Cocoa. Both Dutch-processed and natural cocoa powder will work, though Dutch-processed can yield a slightly darker color and milder flavor. The key is to ensure you are using pure baking cocoa powder and not an instant hot chocolate mix, which contains sugar and other additives. The only ingredient listed should be natural cocoa.
Making This Torte Dairy-Free: Possible Swaps
For those seeking a dairy-free version of this exquisite chocolate torte, you’ll need to make a key substitution for the butter. While I haven’t personally tested a dairy-free version of this specific recipe yet, my experience with other baking projects suggests two excellent go-to options for butter alternatives: Earth Balance Butter Sticks (they offer a soy-free version for those with soy sensitivities) or Country Crock Plant Butter with Olive Oil. Both perform exceptionally well in baking and are likely to provide a similar rich texture. I’m planning to recipe test this soon, but wanted to provide this guidance for those who are eager to try it now. If you get a chance to experiment before I do, please share your results in the comments below – your feedback will be incredibly helpful to other readers!
Another crucial component for a dairy-free torte is selecting a chocolate bar that is certified dairy-free. While the Baker’s bar I used doesn’t list milk as an ingredient, it often carries a “may contain milk” warning due to shared processing facilities. For strict dairy allergies, you’ll need to find a chocolate brand that you are completely comfortable with, such as Enjoy Life, Pascha, or another brand explicitly labeled dairy-free and suitable for your needs.
Don’t forget the toppings! Fortunately, the market for dairy-free alternatives has expanded dramatically. You’ll find numerous delicious dairy-free vanilla ice cream brands available. For a faux whipped cream, store-bought options like Coco Whip are readily available, or you can easily make your own using Country Crock’s Plant Cream, following the recipe usually found on the carton.
An Allergy-Friendly Chocolate Dessert for Everyone
With careful selection of ingredients, this flourless chocolate torte can be a truly remarkable allergy-friendly dessert. By ensuring all components are safe, this torte is naturally free of many common allergens, including wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shellfish, peanuts, tree nuts, and sesame. That’s an impressive seven out of nine major allergens covered, with the added flexibility to make it dairy-free!
It is important to note, however, that I do not recommend attempting to substitute the eggs to make this torte egg-free. Eggs play a critical structural role in this recipe, acting as the primary binding agent and providing the torte’s characteristic density and texture, especially in the absence of flour. Without them, the torte would simply not hold together.
If you are specifically seeking a gluten-free and egg-free chocolate cake, I have a fantastic recipe that has been a long-time favorite for over a decade. Alternatively, this rich chocolate cake with Oreo frosting is another incredibly delicious option that many enjoy. There are always allergy-friendly alternatives out there!
Essential Tools for Your Easy Torte
Unlike many demanding dessert recipes, this gluten-free flourless chocolate torte truly lives up to its “easy” moniker, requiring minimal special equipment. You won’t be whipping egg whites in separate bowls or sifting dry ingredients with precision. This streamlined approach means you only need a few basic kitchen tools to achieve a beautifully rich and fudgy torte:
- A Large Microwaveable Mixing Bowl: Essential for melting the chocolate and butter, and then combining all ingredients in one convenient spot.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: For safely chopping your high-quality chocolate bar into small, even pieces, which helps it melt more uniformly.
- Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated, and for transferring the batter to the pan.
- Whisk: Ideal for breaking up egg yolks and smoothly combining all wet and dry ingredients, preventing lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate measurement of all your ingredients, a foundational step for consistent baking results.
- 9-inch Cake Pan*: The specific size used for testing this recipe to ensure proper baking time and thickness.
- Cooling Rack: Crucial for allowing your torte to cool evenly and prevent moisture from becoming trapped, which can lead to a soggy bottom.
- Unbleached Parchment Paper, Pencil, and Scissors: For creating a perfectly fitted parchment circle for the bottom of your cake pan, guaranteeing easy release.
- Non-Stick Spray of Choice: An easy and effective way to prepare your pan, minimizing the risk of sticking.
A Note on Measuring Chocolate: If the chocolate bar you purchase doesn’t come in a precise 5-ounce weight, you will absolutely need a kitchen scale. Using the correct amount of chocolate is vital for the torte’s consistency and rich flavor, so accurate measurement is key.
*I’ve only tested this recipe using a 9-inch cake pan. While an 8-inch deep cake pan might work, be aware that the torte will be thicker, likely requiring a few additional minutes of baking time. Always keep an eye on the torte and test for doneness accordingly.
Creative Toppings to Elevate Your Torte
While this flourless chocolate torte is undeniably delicious on its own, adding toppings can transform it from a simple dessert into an elegant, show-stopping treat. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add contrasting textures and flavors that complement the rich chocolate beautifully. Here are some of our favorite ways to dress up your torte:
- Fresh Berries: The tartness of berries provides a delightful counterpoint to the torte’s richness. Consider fresh strawberries, blackberries, or raspberries for a pop of color and flavor.
- Whipped Cream: A cloud of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense torte. You can sweeten it lightly or add a touch of vanilla for extra flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of warm chocolate and cold vanilla ice cream is always a winner. The melting ice cream creates a luscious sauce around the torte.
- Mint Ice Cream: For a refreshing twist, mint ice cream offers a cool, invigorating flavor that pairs surprisingly well with dark chocolate.
- Powdered Sugar: A simple dusting of powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar) adds an elegant, snowy finish and a touch of subtle sweetness.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle your torte with extra chocolate sauce for an even more intense chocolate experience. Don’t be shy – I often use a readily available option like Hershey’s syrup for convenience!
Ingredients for Your Perfect Flourless Chocolate Torte
Crafting this irresistible flourless chocolate torte requires a surprisingly short and simple list of ingredients. The key to its rich flavor and decadent texture lies in the quality of these few components. Here’s what you’ll need:
- High-Quality Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar: This is the star of the show, so don’t skimp on quality! Ensure you have approximately 5 ounces. Refer to the notes above for brand recommendations and tips on checking bar amounts.
- Unsalted Butter: Half a cup (one stick) of unsalted butter will provide richness and moisture. If making dairy-free, see the substitution section above.
- Granulated Sugar: Three-quarters of a cup will provide the perfect balance of sweetness to complement the deep chocolate.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Half a cup of good quality cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, adding depth and complexity.
- Large Eggs + 1 Egg Yolk: Four large eggs plus an additional yolk are crucial for the torte’s structure, binding, and moistness, especially since there’s no flour.
- Vanilla Extract: One tablespoon of pure vanilla extract enhances the chocolate notes and adds a layer of aromatic warmth.
- Table Salt: A quarter teaspoon of salt is vital for balancing the sweetness and brightening all the flavors in the torte.
- Optional Toppings: Have fun with garnishes like powdered (confectioners’) sugar, an assortment of fresh fruit or berries, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of your favorite ice cream.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Flourless Chocolate Torte
This chocolate torte is remarkably forgiving and accessible even for novice bakers, but a few simple tips can help ensure your dessert turns out perfectly fudgy and delicious every time:
- Gentle Chocolate Melting: The most crucial step is melting the chocolate and butter without burning. Use your microwave at 50% power, heating in short bursts of 30 seconds at a time. After each burst, stir the mixture thoroughly. Chocolate often holds its shape even when melted, so stirring is essential to determine if it’s fully liquefied. You’ll typically only need one, or at most two, rounds of heating and stirring, especially if your chocolate is finely chopped. Overheating can make chocolate seize and become grainy.
- Thorough Egg Incorporation: Once the eggs are added to the mixture, ensure they are fully broken up and completely combined. A whisk is your best friend here, as it effectively disperses the egg yolks throughout the batter, leading to a uniform texture. Don’t forget to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to catch any unincorporated ingredients.
- Prepare Your Pan Meticulously: Proper pan preparation is key for easy release. You have two main options:
- Butter & Cocoa Dusting: Generously swipe shortening or soft butter around the sides and bottom of your 9-inch cake pan. Then, dust it lightly with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. This creates a non-stick cocoa coating.
- Non-Stick Spray (My Preference): Spray the pan thoroughly with your chosen non-stick cooking spray.
Regardless of the method, I highly recommend tracing the bottom of your cake pan onto unbleached parchment paper, cutting out the circle, and placing it in the bottom of the pan. This provides an extra layer of non-stick security, especially since you’ll be inverting the torte to serve. After placing the parchment, spray it again with non-stick spray for ultimate confidence.
- Cooling Rack Timing: Once baked, resist the urge to immediately remove the torte from its pan. Allow the torte to rest in the hot pan on a wire rack for precisely 10 minutes. This allows the torte to firm up slightly before you invert it. However, do not let it cool completely in the pan, as this can trap moisture and make the torte soggy. After 10 minutes, carefully invert it onto the wire rack to finish cooling completely.
Storing Your Decadent Flourless Chocolate Torte
This versatile torte can be enjoyed either slightly warm, allowing accompanying ice cream to beautifully melt, or chilled for a firmer, denser experience. Both serving temperatures are equally delicious. To ensure your torte remains fresh and maintains its rich flavor and texture:
- Short-Term Storage (Refrigeration): If you won’t be enjoying the entire torte within the first few hours of baking, it’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap (Saran wrap) or aluminum foil. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will maintain its quality for up to 3 days. The cold temperature helps preserve its fudgy texture and prevents it from drying out.
- Long-Term Storage (Freezing): While it’s often hard to have leftovers of something so delicious, this torte freezes remarkably well! To freeze, first ensure the torte is completely cooled. Wrap it very tightly in multiple layers of plastic wrap, then an additional layer of aluminum foil. For extra protection against freezer burn, place the well-wrapped torte into an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen torte, simply transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. You can serve it chilled, or bring it to room temperature before serving, depending on your preference.
Explore More Gluten-Free Chocolate Desserts
If you’re a true choco-holic like me, the journey doesn’t have to end with this incredible flourless torte! My site is a treasure trove of gluten-free delights, especially when it comes to chocolate. Expand your repertoire with these other fantastic gluten-free chocolate bakes and no-bake treats:
- My indulgent no-bake chocolate cheesecake, perfect for when you need a quick, impressive dessert without turning on the oven.
- The rich and satisfying triple chocolate pie, a dream for any chocolate lover.
- Chewy and delightful double chocolate cookies, a perfect snack or dessert.
- The legendary Texas Sheet Cake, scaled to be gluten and allergy-friendly.
- A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Chocolate Lava Cake, ideal for a warm, gooey treat.
- And don’t miss my delightful Baked Chocolate Donuts for a breakfast or brunch treat.
Remember, every single recipe on my website is gluten-free, so feel free to dive into the full 350+ gluten-free recipe index for endless inspiration!
Watch the Video Tutorial for Step-by-Step Guidance
Sometimes, seeing is believing, especially when a recipe promises to be this easy yet impressive. I’ve created a comprehensive video tutorial that walks you through every single step of making this delightful flourless chocolate torte, from start to finish. You’ll witness just how simple it is to bring this decadent dessert to life in your own kitchen.
The video should automatically populate on this page for your convenience. However, if you don’t see it, it’s always embedded directly into the bottom of the recipe card section for easy access. And, for an even larger viewing experience or to browse my other culinary creations, you can always find it on my dedicated YouTube channel. Don’t let anything stop you from trying this amazing chocolate dessert!

Flourless Chocolate Torte (Gluten Free)
12
10 minutes
25 minutes
10 minutes
45 minutes
Fudgy, rich and decadent this gluten-free flourless chocolate torte is an easy, one bowl dessert that seems way more impressive than the effort it requires. Dress it up or down, this will satisfy your chocolate craving. This torte is free of: wheat, gluten, soy, fish, shell fish, peanuts, tree nuts and sesame.
Ingredients
- 5 oz high quality semi-sweet chocolate bar (check bar amounts, may take two bars, for brands, see above recipe sections on ‘What Type of Chocolate’ and ‘Ingredients Needed’)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter (for dairy-free options, see ‘Making This Torte Dairy-Free’ section)
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened baking cocoa)
- 4 large eggs + 1 egg yolk
- 1 TBSP vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp table salt
- Optional garnishes: fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries), whipped cream (or dairy-free alternative), vanilla ice cream (or dairy-free alternative), mint ice cream, powdered sugar, chocolate sauce
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
Prepare a 9-inch cake pan: thoroughly grease the sides and bottom. Trace the bottom of the cake pan onto parchment paper, cut out the circle, and place it inside the pan. Grease the top of the parchment paper as well. Set the prepared pan aside.
If your chocolate bar is not precisely 5 oz, use a kitchen scale to weigh out 5 oz of high-quality semi-sweet chocolate. This precise measurement is important for the torte’s consistency.
Chop the chocolate bar into small, even pieces on a cutting board using a sharp knife. Smaller pieces melt more evenly.
Combine the chopped chocolate and unsalted butter in a large, microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave the mixture at 50% power for 30 seconds at a time, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat.
To the melted chocolate and butter, add the sugar, cocoa powder, 4 large eggs plus 1 egg yolk, vanilla extract, and table salt. Mix vigorously with a whisk until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth, making sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
Pour the prepared batter evenly into your greased and parchment-lined 9-inch cake pan.
Bake for 25 minutes. The torte will look slightly firm around the edges but may still be a bit soft in the center; it will continue to set as it cools.
Remove the torte from the oven and place the hot pan on a wire cooling rack. Allow it to cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully invert the torte onto the wire rack to finish cooling completely. This helps prevent moisture retention and ensures easy release.
Serve your cooled (or slightly warm) torte with your desired toppings, such as fresh berries, whipped cream, or ice cream.
To store leftovers or if making ahead, wrap the cooled torte tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, see the ‘How to Store the Torte’ section above for freezing instructions.
Notes
For substitution questions and for best results, please read above the recipe and watch the video attached below.
*Our allergies, while severe and that get re-tested frequently, are such that we can go strictly by what’s on the label. I do not call companies to see what things are derived from, or call manufacturers to see about potential cross contact. If your allergies require you to do so, please do your own homework. I cannot assure you of any ingredient’s safety, only you can do that. I simply share what works for our family
**If you are going to feed this to someone with food allergies, and you yourself do not have food allergies, I HIGHLY recommend having them check every single brand and ingredient you are using, to ensure they’re OK with each part of the recipe. And, to make sure you’ve talked to them about how to avoid cross contamination in your kitchen.
Inspired by: Well Plated, Baking with Blondie and Sally’s Baking Addiction
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 141Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 74mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 1gSugar: 19gProtein: 3g
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