chocolate cakes

Flourless chocolate cakes are dense with flavor. Recipe (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times / September 28, 2012)

Flourless chocolate cake

Total time: 1 hour, plus cooling time

Servings: Makes 1 (8-inch-round) cake

Note: From Na Young Ma of Proof Bakery in Atwater Village.

12 ounces 60% chocolate


2 tablespoons cocoa powder

4 egg yolks

6 egg whites

Pinch salt

4 ounces sugar

1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees. In a bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt together the chocolate and butter. Remove from the heat, then whisk in the cocoa powder and after that the egg yolks. Set aside.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until foamy. Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites and whip to medium peaks.

3. Stir a third of the whites vigorously into the chocolate mixture until fully combined. Then fold in the remaining whites in two parts until all ingredients are incorporated.

4. Pour the mixture into a greased, parchment-lined 8-inch cake pan and bake until puffed and set, 18 to 20 minutes. (For individual cakes, use 4-inch greased brown paper molds. Fill each with 4.5 ounces batter; bake for 13 to 15 minutes.) Cool completely on a rack, then cover and refrigerate until chilled. Serve chilled, or bring to room temperature before serving.

Each of 8 servings: 446 calories; 7 grams protein; 38 grams carbohydrates; 4 grams fiber; 30 grams fat; 18 grams saturated fat; 125 mg cholesterol; 30 grams sugar; 70 mg sodium.