Flourless German Chocolate Cake Recipe

The Perfect Flourless German Chocolate Cake Recipe – Sweet Bliss

Indulgent flourless German chocolate cake reinvents ordinary dessert expectations into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Rich chocolate weaves through each delectable layer, promising an irresistible sensory experience.

Decadent ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavor that defies traditional baking constraints.

Smooth textures blend with nutty undertones, challenging conventional cake perceptions.

The absence of flour does not diminish its luxurious appeal—instead, it elevates the entire dessert.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this cake represents a perfect balance of complexity and comfort.

Your taste buds will thank you for this delightful journey.

Why Flourless German Chocolate Cake Is Indulgent Bliss

  • Indulge in Decadent Chocolate Bliss: This flourless German chocolate cake delivers an intense, rich chocolate experience that melts in your mouth with layers of luxurious flavors and textures.
  • Quick and Elegant Dessert Magic: Surprisingly simple to prepare, this cake transforms basic ingredients into a stunning, restaurant-worthy dessert in just under an hour, perfect for impressing guests without complex baking skills.
  • Creamy Coconut Pecan Paradise: The luscious combination of silky chocolate ganache and caramelized coconut-pecan topping creates a harmonious balance of sweet, nutty, and smooth elements that elevate this cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Celebration: An ideal choice for those with gluten sensitivities, this cake proves that dietary restrictions don't mean compromising on taste, delivering a full-bodied chocolate experience without wheat flour.

What You’ll Need for German Chocolate Heaven

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Rich, dark chocolate providing deep flavor and smooth texture for the flourless cake base.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients together smoothly.
  • Eggs: Essential for structure and providing moisture to the cake.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate flavor and contributes to cakes deep color.
  • Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps with caramelization.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances chocolate flavor.
Ganache Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Chips: Creates smooth, glossy topping with intense chocolate flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Helps create silky, rich ganache texture.
Topping Ingredients:
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy base for caramel topping.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness to caramel.
  • Egg Yolks: Helps thicken and enrich caramel sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Contributes to smooth, luxurious caramel consistency.
  • Evaporated Milk: Adds creamy depth to topping.
  • Pecans: Provides crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  • Coconut Flakes: Adds tropical sweetness and interesting texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, sweet undertones.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor profile.

How to Bake a Dense and Delicious Flourless Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position the rack in the middle of the oven for even baking.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Base

Melt together:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Unsalted butter
Use a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and gently stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Beaten eggs

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix thoroughly:
  • Cocoa powder
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Blend dry ingredients with the wet chocolate mixture until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a 9-inch cake pan completely. Line with parchment paper, then grease the paper again to ensure easy cake removal.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 25 minutes in the preheated oven.

Step 6: Cool the Cake

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool completely.

Step 7: Make Chocolate Ganache

Gently heat together:
  • Chocolate chips
  • Heavy cream

Stir until smooth and keep warm.

Step 8: Prepare Coconut Pecan Topping

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg yolks
  • Heavy cream
  • Evaporated milk

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until thickened.

Step 9: Finish Topping

Remove from heat and stir in:
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pecans
  • Coconut flakes
  • Pinch of salt

Allow mixture to cool completely.

Step 10: Add Ganache Layer

Spread warm ganache evenly across the cooled cake surface. Let it set.

Step 11: Final Topping

Layer the coconut pecan mixture over the ganache. Allow to set before slicing and serving.

Tips to Nail Texture and Topping

  • Master Chocolate Melting: Use low, gentle heat to prevent chocolate from burning, stirring constantly for smooth, silky consistency.
  • Prevent Cake Dryness: Check doneness early by inserting a toothpick – slight moist crumbs mean perfect moisture level for flourless cake.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast pecans and coconut briefly before adding to caramel topping to release rich, nutty aromatics.
  • Smooth Ganache Technique: Let chocolate and cream sit together off heat for 2-3 minutes before whisking to achieve ultra-glossy, velvety texture.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure eggs and dairy are at similar temperatures to create seamless blending and consistent cake structure.

How to Keep It Fresh and Ready to Serve

  • Refrigeration: Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days without losing its delicious texture and rich flavor. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb any excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Room Temperature Serving: Remove cake from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow it to reach optimal taste and softness. Bringing cake to room temperature helps restore its original creamy consistency and enhances the chocolate and caramel flavors.
  • Reheating Method: Warm individual slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on 50% power to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. For best results, use a low heat setting and check frequently to avoid overheating.

What Goes Great with German Chocolate Cake

  • Savor Robust Red Wine Pairing: Choose a rich, full-bodied red like cabernet sauvignon or merlot that complements the cake's deep chocolate intensity and cuts through its sweetness with balanced tannins.
  • Elevate with Espresso Companion: Serve a freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee alongside the cake, allowing the bitter coffee notes to enhance the chocolate's complex flavor profile and provide a delightful contrast.
  • Boost with Vanilla Bourbon Ice Cream: Top a slice with creamy vanilla bourbon ice cream, which adds a cool, smooth texture and subtle warmth that beautifully balances the cake's rich, decadent chocolate and nutty caramel layers.
  • Match with Raspberry Liqueur: Drizzle a small amount of raspberry liqueur around the plate, creating a bright, tangy accent that brightens the cake's deep chocolate and caramel notes while adding an elegant touch to the dessert presentation.

Flavor Variations for German Chocolate Cake Fans

  • Nutty Chocolate Delight: Replace pecans with almonds or walnuts, adding a different nutty crunch to the classic recipe. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their rich flavor profile.
  • Espresso Chocolate Boost: Incorporate a shot of strong espresso into the batter or ganache for an intense coffee undertone. The coffee deepens the chocolate's complexity and adds a sophisticated edge.
  • Berry Chocolate Dream: Fold fresh raspberries or cherry compote into the ganache layer for a fruity contrast. The tangy berries cut through the cake's richness, creating a balanced and vibrant dessert experience.
  • Salted Caramel Chocolate Blast: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the ganache and caramel topping. The salt intensifies the chocolate's depth and provides a modern gourmet touch to the traditional German chocolate cake.
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Flourless German Chocolate Cake Recipe

Flourless German Chocolate Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

German chocolate cake brings pure bliss without traditional flour, creating a rich, indulgent dessert. Chocolate lovers will savor deep cocoa flavors and silky texture, experiencing a delightful twist on classic German baking tradition.


Ingredients

Scale

Cake Base:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt

Ganache:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Coconut Pecan Caramel Topping:

  • 1½ cups (135 grams) sweetened shredded coconut
  • ¾ cup (85 grams) chopped pecans
  • 3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter
  • ¾ cup (165 grams) light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 5 ounces (150 milliliters) evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon angostura bitters (optional)
  • 1 pinch fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position a rack in the center of the oven.
  2. Gently melt chocolate chips and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Remove the chocolate mixture from heat and whisk in vanilla extract, then carefully incorporate beaten eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, sift together cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt to eliminate any lumps.
  5. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the chocolate mixture, stirring until a uniform batter forms with no visible streaks.
  6. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch (23-centimeter) cake pan, then line the bottom with parchment paper, ensuring the paper is greased again for effortless cake removal.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. For the ganache, combine chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small saucepan, heating gently and stirring until the mixture becomes glossy and smooth.
  11. Prepare the coconut pecan topping by combining butter, brown sugar, egg yolks, heavy cream, and evaporated milk in a separate saucepan.
  12. Cook the topping mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches a thick, bubbling consistency (approximately 4-5 minutes).
  13. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, toasted pecans, coconut flakes, and a pinch of salt.
  14. Once the cake has cooled, spread the warm ganache evenly across the top, allowing it to set for a few minutes.
  15. Carefully spoon the coconut pecan topping over the ganache, creating an even layer.
  16. Let the cake rest for 30 minutes to allow the layers to set completely before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Dive into this decadent flourless wonder that redefines chocolate cake expectations with rich, intense flavors.
  • Gluten-sensitive dessert lovers will rejoice over this incredibly moist German-inspired creation that packs maximum chocolate punch.
  • Surprisingly simple ingredients transform into an elegant showstopper requiring minimal kitchen skills and maximum taste satisfaction.
  • Coconut and pecan caramel topping elevates this cake from ordinary to extraordinary, creating a luxurious texture contrast against dense chocolate base.
  • Professional bakery-quality dessert achievable right in your home kitchen with straightforward technique and minimal specialized equipment needed.
  • Perfect for special occasions, weekend indulgences, or impressing guests with minimal preparation time and maximum deliciousness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: German

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 580 kcal
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 39 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 53 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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