Flourless Chocolate and Amaretto Torte

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 50 mins

Total: 60 mins

Servings: 8 to 10 servings

A chocolate cake is always a fabulous showstopping dessert, but many recipes include flour, which can be a problem for those with intolerances or who choose not to eat wheat. This delicious torte is a flourless dessert solution for sweets lovers on gluten-free diets. 

The removal of the flour does not affect the flavor whatsoever since the recipe is heavy with eggs, butter, chocolate, sugar, and a generous glug of amaretto. Even better, the torte is easy to whip together and will keep well for a few days in an airtight tin, so it can be made ahead of time. It’s also a delightful way to end any Passover celebration.

Ingredients

• 9 ounces butter

• 9 ounces milk chocolate

• 8 large large eggs

• 4 ounces dark brown sugar

• 1 cup sugar

• 4 tablespoons amaretto

• 3/4 cup cocoa powder

• 1 cup raspberry sauce, optional

Steps to Make It

1. Gather your ingredients.

2. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom and sides with greaseproof paper and put to one side. Preheat the oven to 325 F.

3. In a large non-stick saucepan, melt the remaining butter on low heat. Add the chopped chocolate to the pan and stir until melted. Remove from the heat instantly and leave to cool for 10 minutes. 

4. Beat the egg yolks, both sugars, and the amaretto in a stand mixer until frothed up and doubled in volume. If you do not have a stand mixer, an electric or hand whisk will work too. 

5. Using a fine sieve, sift the cocoa powder over the beaten egg and sugar mixture, then mix on low speed. You do not want to beat the air out of the eggs or the cake will not rise when cooked. 

6. Put the egg whites in a scrupulously clean bowl and using clean beaters, whisk until the whites start to stiffen and are slightly glossy. 

7. The chocolate should now be cooled enough fold gently into the egg mixture using a metal tablespoon. Gently stir 1/3 of the beaten egg whites into the mixture, then gently fold the remaining 2/3, making sure it is evenly colored with no streaks of chocolate.

8. Carefully spoon the mixture into the prepared pan and tap on the work surface a couple of times to release any air bubbles. 

9. Bake in the center of the preheated oven for 50 minutes until set, but not solid. The center should spring lightly to the touch. The surface of the cake may crack a little but don't worry, it's a feature of this style of cake. 

10. Remove from the oven and place the pan on a cooling rack and leave to cool completely.

11. Drench the cake with a heavy dusting of cocoa powder, garnish with fresh raspberries, raspberry sauce, and cream if desired.

    

Tips

• If not eating immediately, store the cake in an airtight tin, it will keep well for three to four days.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate and raspberries are a classic combination and work so well together, but you don't have to limit it to that pairing—try blueberries, strawberries or any of your favorite fruits.
• The amaretto brings a lovely almond flavor, but it is alcoholic, so you may want to leave this out if making the torte for children.