Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte Recipe: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion

If you’re looking for a showstopper dessert that combines indulgence with a touch of elegance, look no further than the Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte. This rich and decadent dessert is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions. It’s perfect for everything from casual family gatherings to fancy dinner parties or even a special celebration.

In this article, we’re going to explore how to make the best Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte with detailed instructions, tips for success, variations to suit your taste, and frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is as smooth as possible.

What is Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte?

A Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte is a rich, dense, and slightly fudgy cake made without flour. Instead, it gets its structure from egg whites, dark chocolate, and almond meal (or finely ground almonds). This results in a dessert that is not only gluten-free but also packed with flavor. The combination of almonds and dark chocolate creates a luxurious texture and taste, making it a standout choice for any dessert lover.

The torte is typically topped with a glossy chocolate ganache and garnished with powdered sugar and fresh berries. The almond flavor shines through, complementing the deep, rich cocoa flavor of the dark chocolate.

The Origin of Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte

While the precise origins of the flourless chocolate cake are debated, many trace it back to French and Austrian influences. Flourless cakes are commonly associated with the Austrian Sachertorte, a traditional chocolate cake that’s rich and dense. The almond flour element brings an additional texture to this torte, making it distinct from the classic flourless chocolate cake.

Over time, the flourless cake became popular as a gluten-free dessert option and spread across Europe and into the United States. Almond flour is often used in French and Italian baking, where almond trees are abundant, making the combination of almonds and chocolate both a delicious and traditional pairing.

Ingredients for Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte

For the Torte:

• 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided
• 6 large eggs, separated
• 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour)
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup sliced almonds for topping

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup

Lastly for Serving:

• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Fresh berries (optional)
• Whipped cream (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte

1. Prepare the Torte

Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease a 9-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Dust the sides of the pan with cocoa powder to ensure the torte doesn’t stick.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

• In a double boiler or microwave, melt dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Once melted, let it cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Egg Yolks

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick (about 3-4 minutes).
• Stir in the melted chocolate mixture, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
• Add in the ground almonds, cocoa powder, and salt, mixing until everything is well incorporated.

3. Whip the Egg Whites

• In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add the remaining ¼ cup sugar, continuing to whip until stiff, glossy peaks form. This process helps create the light, airy texture of the torte.

4. Fold and Combine

• Gently fold ⅓ of the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it.
• Carefully fold in the remaining egg whites in two additions. Be gentle to keep as much air in the batter as possible.

5. Bake

• Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and smooth the top.
• Sprinkle with sliced almonds for added texture and a nutty crunch.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is just set but still slightly jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs.

6. Cool

• Let the torte cool completely in the pan. Note that the cake will naturally sink slightly as it cools, which is perfectly normal.
• Once cooled, run a knife around the edges before removing the torte from the springform pan.

7. Make the Ganache (Optional)

Prepare the Ganache

• Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it just begins to simmer.
• Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl and let it sit for about 2 minutes. Stir until smooth.
• Add the butter and honey (or corn syrup) to the ganache, stirring until glossy.

Finish and Serve

• Spread the ganache over the top of the cooled torte if desired.
• Dust the torte with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Success

• Quality chocolate: For the best flavor, use good-quality dark chocolate with a 70% cocoa content.
• Room temperature eggs: Separate your eggs when they are cold, then let them come to room temperature before whipping for best results.
• Don’t overbeat the egg whites: When folding the egg whites into the chocolate mixture, be gentle to avoid losing the airiness.
• Check the doneness: The torte should be set but slightly soft in the center, and a toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
• Expect natural sinking: The torte will sink slightly as it cools, which is expected and adds to the dense texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries complement the torte beautifully.
• For extra indulgence, serve with whipped cream or lightly sweetened whipped mascarpone.
• If you want a more decadent experience, drizzle with raspberry coulis or a splash of dessert wine.

Storage

• Store the torte in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Before serving, bring the torte to room temperature for the best texture.
• The torte can also be frozen (without the ganache) for up to 2 months. Allow it to thaw completely before serving.

Variations of the Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte

Orange Almond Torte

• Add zest of 1 orange to the batter and swap the almond extract for orange extract to create a fresh, citrusy twist.

Espresso Chocolate Torte

• For coffee lovers, add 2 tablespoons instant espresso powder to the melted chocolate mixture to infuse the torte with a subtle coffee flavor.

Hazelnut Chocolate Torte

• Replace the ground almonds with ground hazelnuts for a nutty variation that pairs beautifully with chocolate.

Spiced Chocolate Torte

• Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter to give the torte a warm, spicy kick.

FAQs About Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte

1. Can I use other types of nuts instead of almonds?

Yes! You can substitute hazelnuts or walnuts for the almonds in this recipe. Just make sure to grind them finely for the best texture.

2. How do I know when the torte is done baking?

The torte is done when the center is set but still a little jiggly. A toothpick inserted should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

3. Is it necessary to add the ganache?

The ganache is optional but adds an extra layer of richness to the torte. You can also serve it with powdered sugar and berries if you prefer a lighter finish.

4. Can I make this torte ahead of time?

Yes, this torte actually improves in flavor when made 1-2 days in advance. You can also prepare the ganache up to 3 days ahead.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte is a truly indulgent dessert that is both gluten-free and incredibly delicious. With its rich chocolate flavor and nutty almond undertones, this torte is sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you serve it with a glossy chocolate ganache, fresh berries, or whipped cream, it’s a dessert that will impress and satisfy. Follow the steps carefully, and don’t forget the tips for success to make sure your torte turns out perfectly every time.

Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte Recipe: A Decadent Dessert for Every Occasion

---

• Author: David Andersson
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 slices
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte is a rich, dense, and slightly fudgy cake made without flour. Instead, it gets its structure from egg whites, dark chocolate, and almond meal (or finely ground almonds). This results in a dessert that is not only gluten-free but also packed with flavor. The combination of almonds and dark chocolate creates a luxurious texture and taste, making it a standout choice for any dessert lover.

---

Ingredients

For the Torte:

• 8 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped

• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• ¾ cup granulated sugar, divided

• 6 large eggs, separated

• 1 cup finely ground almonds (almond flour)

• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon almond extract

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ cup sliced almonds for topping

For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):

• 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped

• ½ cup heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 tablespoon honey or corn syrup

For Serving:

• Powdered sugar for dusting

• Fresh berries (optional)

• Whipped cream (optional)

---

Instructions

Prepare the Torte:

1. Preheat and Prep
   • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
   • Grease a 9-inch springform pan
   • Line bottom with parchment paper
   • Dust sides with cocoa powder
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter
   • In a double boiler or microwave, melt chocolate and butter together
   • Stir until smooth and let cool slightly
3. Prepare Egg Yolks
   • In a large bowl, whisk egg yolks with ½ cup sugar until pale and thick (3-4 minutes)
   • Stir in melted chocolate mixture, vanilla, and almond extract
   • Mix in ground almonds, cocoa powder, and salt
4. Whip Egg Whites
   • In a clean bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form
   • Gradually add remaining ¼ cup sugar
   • Continue whipping until stiff, glossy peaks form
5. Fold and Combine
   • Gently fold ⅓ of egg whites into chocolate mixture to lighten
   • Carefully fold in remaining egg whites in two additions
   • Don’t overmix – some white streaks are okay
6. Bake
   • Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top
   • Sprinkle with sliced almonds
   • Bake for 35-40 minutes, until center is just set and slightly jiggly
   • A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs
7. Cool
   • Cool completely in pan (cake will sink slightly – this is normal!)
   • Run a knife around edges before removing from pan

Make the Ganache (optional):

8. Prepare Ganache
   • Heat cream in a small saucepan until just simmering
   • Pour over chopped chocolate in a bowl
   • Let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth
   • Stir in butter and honey until glossy
   • Let cool to spreadable consistency (15-20 minutes)
9. Finish and Serve
   • Remove torte from springform pan
   • Spread ganache over top if using
   • Dust with powdered sugar
   • Garnish with berries if desired

Notes

For an elegant touch, dust the cooled torte with cocoa powder or powdered sugar before serving. It also pairs beautifully with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 65mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: Moderate

Keywords: Flourless Chocolate Almond Torte Recipe