Fudgy and dense, fragrantly spicy with cinnamon and chipotle chile, this flourless Mexican hot chocolate cake is unforgettably delicious! Fabulous with a just a dollop of whipped cream or dressed up with ganache for an extra special occasion!
Confectioners’ sugar and/or whipped cream for garnish and serving
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Spray bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line bottom of pan with parchment paper, and spray parchment paper with nonstick cooking spray.
Bring 2 inches of water to a boil in a saucepan. Carefully place a heat-proof bowl over boiling water (so that it’s not touching water) and add chocolate and butter to bowl. Stir constantly until chocolate is melted and combined with butter (see note).
Remove from heat, stir in oil, and add vanilla, cinnamon, chile powder, and salt, stirring until completely blended together. Set aside to cool.
Meanwhile, In a separate large bowl, beat eggs and sugar with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, about 4 minutes.
Fold in the chocolate mixture until just combined. Pour batter into prepared springform pan. Bake until the cake is just set and the top is beginning to crack, about 35 minutes.
Let cool completely in the pan on a wire cooling rack, about 1 hour. Remove the pan sides and cover the cake and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or up to 3 days.
Flavor and texture of cake is best if you let it stand at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to serving. Use a very sharp knife to cut slices, cleaning the knife between cuts.
Serve topped with confectioners’ sugar, whipped cream, ganache, or fresh fruit.
Notes
If you have a double boiler, you may use that to melt the chocolate and butter. Microwaving is another option. Put the chocolate and butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat at medium power for 15 seconds, stir well, and repeat process until chocolate is almost melted. Don't overheat or boil.
Top this cake with ganache, if desired. To make ganache: Combine the 1 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl, and heat until the cream is very hot, but not simmering. Remove from the microwave, and stir until the chocolate melts and the mixture is completely smooth. Spoon the ganache over the cooled cake, letting it run down the sides.
Adapted from Eating Well magazine, Jan/Feb 2020 Issue