I love to bake. Baking makes me happy. I like making good, sweet foods for my loved ones. When my little sister would come home from college, I always baked something fun for her.
Last month, I joined a group called The Daring Bakers. I thought The Daring Bakers would be fun, and I knew that it would give me an excuse to learn some new cooking techniques. I love to learn, and I love to eat, so I signed up.
The February 2009 challenge is hosted by Wendy of WMPE’s blog and Dharm of Dad ~ Baker & Chef.
We have chosen a Chocolate Valentino cake by Chef Wan; a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Dharm and a Vanilla Ice Cream recipe from Wendy as the challenge.
The rules of The Daring Bakers say that participants may not change the recipe at all, so (for the second time in my whole life), I followed it exactly. I did, however, rewrite part of it in my own words to make it a little easier to follow. And then, I got all fancy and made you an illustrated tutorial of sorts.
Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free)
This simple & easy flourless chocolate cake is the best! Dense and decadent, every bite is packed with rich chocolate flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chocolate note that your final cake will taste exactly like the chocolate that you use. I used an entire pound of Hershey bars, and I adored the final product. Some of the other Daring Bakers used mostly bitter dark chocolate, and they were less pleased with their final product.
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 5 large eggs separated
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler, stirring often. (I am going to try to pre-melt the butter next time since it took a lot longer than the chocolate to melt and become smooth.)
- While the chocolate and butter mixture is cooling, butter an 9" springform pan; line with a parchment circle, then butter the parchment. This is an important step!
- Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and put into two medium bowls.
- Whip the egg whites in a large grease free bowl until stiff peaks are formed (do not over-whip or the cake will be dry). If you try to do this by hand, your arms will be so tired that you'll think they are falling off and the egg whites will not become stiff enough. Learn from my mistake, and use some kind of electric mixer. A hand mixer would probably be best, but I'm going to try my stand mixer next time because I don't have a hand mixer.
- With the same beater, beat the egg yolks together. Add the egg yolks to the cooled chocolate.
- Fold one-third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and follow with the remaining two-thirds. Carefully fold until no white remains without deflating the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. The batter should fill the pan ¾ of the way.
- Bake at 375F for about 25 minutes.
- The top of the cake will look similar to a brownie and a cake tester will appear WET.
- Cool cake on a rack for 10 minutes then unmold.
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Flourless Chocolate Cake (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 1 lb chocolate note that your final cake will taste exactly like the chocolate that you use. I used an entire pound of Hershey bars, and I adored the final product. Some of the other Daring Bakers used mostly bitter dark chocolate, and they were less pleased with their final product.
- 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 5 large eggs separated
Instructions
- Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler, stirring often. (I am going to try to pre-melt the butter next time since it took a lot longer than the chocolate to melt and become smooth.)
- While the chocolate and butter mixture is cooling, butter an 9" springform pan; line with a parchment circle, then butter the parchment. This is an important step!
- Separate the egg yolks from the egg whites and put into two medium bowls.
- Whip the egg whites in a large grease free bowl until stiff peaks are formed (do not over-whip or the cake will be dry). If you try to do this by hand, your arms will be so tired that you'll think they are falling off and the egg whites will not become stiff enough. Learn from my mistake, and use some kind of electric mixer. A hand mixer would probably be best, but I'm going to try my stand mixer next time because I don't have a hand mixer.
- With the same beater, beat the egg yolks together. Add the egg yolks to the cooled chocolate.
- Fold one-third of the egg whites into the chocolate mixture and follow with the remaining two-thirds. Carefully fold until no white remains without deflating the batter.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. The batter should fill the pan ¾ of the way.
- Bake at 375F for about 25 minutes.
- The top of the cake will look similar to a brownie and a cake tester will appear WET.
- Cool cake on a rack for 10 minutes then unmold.
Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream (No Eggs)
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2/3 cup sugar
- dash salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.
- Mix in your ice cream maker as directed.
The Challenge
I made this on the morning of a Sunday family dinner. Everyone was on the way over, and Joe was making homemade pasta.
Oh, yeah, and Gracie was trying to steal my Hershey bars.
It was so easy that I pulled it all together, made ice cream, and got the homemade pasta in the KitchenAid mixer, all while protecting my chocolate from a stool-wielding toddler with a sweet tooth.
But then, I accidentally overcooked my cake. I cooked it for only 25 minutes, but it was far too done. I was afraid that I’d ruined it, but the flavor was amazing – like the fudgiest fudgy brownie I’d ever eaten – and the texture was heavy, but okay.
This cake was so good that I wanted to eat the whole pan. I am not going to lie, and I’m not exaggerating. I could have eaten the whole pan.
My sister didn’t like the flourless cake. I can’t even comprehend how she didn’t like it, because I thought it was amazing.
I haven’t made it again because I’m afraid I will eat the whole pan. So beware. Only make this cake when you have a house full of people to eat it for you.
© 2009 – 2018, Tara Ziegmont. All rights reserved.
Janine (@twincident) says
OMG – this sounds incredible and I’m now going to bed hungry and craving chocolate!
Janine (@twincident)’s last blog post..So, remember those Yanni Voices?
Janine (@twincident) says
OMG – this sounds incredible and I’m now going to bed hungry and craving chocolate!
Janine (@twincident)’s last blog post..So, remember those Yanni Voices?
Andi says
fantastic! sometimes the nice thing about photos is that I can enjoy them without having to eat the cake 🙂 thanks for sharing!
good luck on the wp/images dealio!
Andi’s last blog post..Photo Meme: Six by Six
Junie Moon says
Congratulations on your success with the Daring Bakers challenge. It is my first with the group, too. I love the illustrated tutorial you provided, what a great idea.
Junie Moon’s last blog post..Daring Bakers: Chocolate Valentino Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream
Junie Moon says
Congratulations on your success with the Daring Bakers challenge. It is my first with the group, too. I love the illustrated tutorial you provided, what a great idea.
Junie Moon’s last blog post..Daring Bakers: Chocolate Valentino Cake and Vanilla Ice Cream
sara says
Yum, this looks SO tasty!!
sara’s last blog post..February Daring Bakers: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Pear-Caramel Ice Cream
sara says
Yum, this looks SO tasty!!
sara’s last blog post..February Daring Bakers: Flourless Chocolate Cake with Pear-Caramel Ice Cream
Andi says
fantastic! sometimes the nice thing about photos is that I can enjoy them without having to eat the cake 🙂 thanks for sharing!
good luck on the wp/images dealio!
Andi’s last blog post..Photo Meme: Six by Six
Lisa says
I’ll make it again and again if people request it because….I’m not a dark chocolate person, so it’s too much for me ;D However, white chocolate, and I might as well just smash it into my hips and tummy!
Your cake came out lovely, as did the ice cream – Great job!
Lisa’s last blog post..Cake and Ice Cream…Hold the flour
Jen L. says
That looks heavenly! It made me realize I’ve never made a flourless cake. This looks super-easy…I may give it a try today! YUM.
Jen L.’s last blog post..Comfort Food Saturday: Banana Bread
Jen L. says
That looks heavenly! It made me realize I’ve never made a flourless cake. This looks super-easy…I may give it a try today! YUM.
Jen L.’s last blog post..Comfort Food Saturday: Banana Bread
Lisa says
I’ll make it again and again if people request it because….I’m not a dark chocolate person, so it’s too much for me ;D However, white chocolate, and I might as well just smash it into my hips and tummy!
Your cake came out lovely, as did the ice cream – Great job!
Lisa’s last blog post..Cake and Ice Cream…Hold the flour
Betty says
This looks great, I’m so going to have to give this one a try. 🙂 I love the step by step pics. 🙂
Betty’s last blog post..Lionel Richie-Easy Like Sunday Morning
Audax Artifex says
What a lovely baker you are to make special treats for your family. I really like the photo of the little girl with the cake. Yes I thought this was one of the BEST chocolate cake I have ever had. Great work on your 1st challenge hope all the rest are fun. Cheers from Audax in Australia.
Audax Artifex’s last blog post..For the Love of Chocolate & Ice Cream
Audax Artifex says
What a lovely baker you are to make special treats for your family. I really like the photo of the little girl with the cake. Yes I thought this was one of the BEST chocolate cake I have ever had. Great work on your 1st challenge hope all the rest are fun. Cheers from Audax in Australia.
Audax Artifex’s last blog post..For the Love of Chocolate & Ice Cream
Betty says
This looks great, I’m so going to have to give this one a try. 🙂 I love the step by step pics. 🙂
Betty’s last blog post..Lionel Richie-Easy Like Sunday Morning
Laura says
Wow! That looks VERY good.
Laura’s last blog post..iHome Audio Speakers – A Review
Dragon says
Great job on this month’s challenge!
Dragon says
Great job on this month’s challenge!
Laura says
Wow! That looks VERY good.
Laura’s last blog post..iHome Audio Speakers – A Review
Robyns Online World says
I’m so impressed! Baking is not my strong suit at all and this is far too complicated a recipe for me to even try. Great job!
Robyns Online World’s last blog post..Nature’s Source Review & Giveaway
Katie says
YUMMY! My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures! Awesome job!!
Robyn's Online World says
I’m so impressed! Baking is not my strong suit at all and this is far too complicated a recipe for me to even try. Great job!
Robyns Online World’s last blog post..Nature’s Source Review & Giveaway
Katie says
YUMMY! My mouth is watering just looking at the pictures! Awesome job!!
asti says
Great photos. Fantastic job on your first challenge. You have the cutest daughter. She’s so adorable in that pink PJs
asti’s last blog post..Valentino cake – DB February 2009 Part deux
asti says
Great photos. Fantastic job on your first challenge. You have the cutest daughter. She’s so adorable in that pink PJs
asti’s last blog post..Valentino cake – DB February 2009 Part deux
[email protected] says
I saw this post, the other day. I am glad you linked it up, for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. I know everyone else will love it, too!
[email protected]’s last blog post..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….Never had a sandwich like this…
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Yum Yum! I love chocolate cake and this looks delicious!
rachel-asouthernfairytale says
Yum Yum! I love chocolate cake and this looks delicious!
Felicia says
this looks delicious!
Felicia’s last blog post..One Sick Little Boy
Felicia says
this looks delicious!
Felicia’s last blog post..One Sick Little Boy
[email protected] says
I saw this post, the other day. I am glad you linked it up, for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday. I know everyone else will love it, too!
[email protected]’s last blog post..Tempt My Tummy Tuesday….Never had a sandwich like this…
Jerri says
This looks so yummy! Great post.
Jerri’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Jerri says
This looks so yummy! Great post.
Jerri’s last blog post..Recipe of the Week: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Kara says
I’ve never had flour-less cake before, but it sure does look yummy! And I just have to say that Gracie is adorable!!
Kara’s last blog post..You should share this with a friend!
Brenda says
With one pound of chocolate, how could that cake not be good!
Brenda’s last blog post..Pizza, All We Ate
Kara says
I’ve never had flour-less cake before, but it sure does look yummy! And I just have to say that Gracie is adorable!!
Kara’s last blog post..You should share this with a friend!
Brenda says
With one pound of chocolate, how could that cake not be good!
Brenda’s last blog post..Pizza, All We Ate
Dominique says
Tara,
the cake looks so good.. Can’t wait to try out the recipe when I get the time. Did some baking too over this weekend.
Dominique’s last blog post..Educating Junior
Dominique says
Tara,
the cake looks so good.. Can’t wait to try out the recipe when I get the time. Did some baking too over this weekend.
Dominique’s last blog post..Educating Junior
Amanda says
I am the sister that wasn’t keen on the cake. I have to say, it wasn’t bad and I would never refuse it, but I am just not much of a really sweet chocolate person. Our mother made it again later in the week and took it to a get together and all the women loved it, but the men weren’t impressed. I think it is perfect for the chocolate lovers out there. One lady, who rarely eats sweets, ate 3 pieces. They were small, but still 3. Then, she took 3 with her and ate them the very next day. I think everyone should try it at least once.
Amanda says
I am the sister that wasn’t keen on the cake. I have to say, it wasn’t bad and I would never refuse it, but I am just not much of a really sweet chocolate person. Our mother made it again later in the week and took it to a get together and all the women loved it, but the men weren’t impressed. I think it is perfect for the chocolate lovers out there. One lady, who rarely eats sweets, ate 3 pieces. They were small, but still 3. Then, she took 3 with her and ate them the very next day. I think everyone should try it at least once.
Carla says
eat the whole pan? That is why I don’t bake-thank you for sharing your yummies:)
Carla says
eat the whole pan? That is why I don’t bake-thank you for sharing your yummies:)
Donna S says
Ohhh… why why did I open this link.. chocolate cake mmmm.. I just read another blog about making brownies in a mug and now this!! I’m in trouble! Sounds great! and that icecream recipe sounds great too! Thanks!
Donna S’s last blog post..Home Tour – The Sunroom
Donna S says
Ohhh… why why did I open this link.. chocolate cake mmmm.. I just read another blog about making brownies in a mug and now this!! I’m in trouble! Sounds great! and that icecream recipe sounds great too! Thanks!
Donna S’s last blog post..Home Tour – The Sunroom
Kristen says
That looks delicious ~ the baking challenge sounds like a lot of fun!
Kristen’s last blog post..Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Kristen says
That looks delicious ~ the baking challenge sounds like a lot of fun!
Kristen’s last blog post..Creamy Chicken Lasagna
Upstatemomof3 says
Well, it looks fantastic! And since my birthday is tomorrow that gives me the perfect excuse to try it, right?
Upstatemomof3’s last blog post..Tackling Cloth Diapering – pocket diapers
Upstatemomof3 says
Well, it looks fantastic! And since my birthday is tomorrow that gives me the perfect excuse to try it, right?
Upstatemomof3’s last blog post..Tackling Cloth Diapering – pocket diapers
Kate says
Wow… the cake looks delicious and easy to make. Will definitely write it down to my recipe book. Great job!