Whew!! We made it to Friday, friends! If you follow along on Instagram, you already know yesterday was a weird day for me. I found an image of our basement in a large, reputable magazine that didn’t credit my work (which gave me all the feels). Between that and having a gray, snow day- I found myself in the kitchen. That’s my happy place! If I’m feeling bummed or off, baking usually puts a smile on my face. I cranked up the music, turned to my coveted Mast Brothers Chocolate Cookbook that permanently lives on the countertop, and whipped up the most delicious flourless chocolate cake. If you’re also in need of some fun in the kitchen (or maybe you’re planning to indulge in a Valentine’s day dessert), this is the perfect recipe! Click through for the details…
Since this cake is flourless- it’s obviously gluten free. It’s dense, super rich, creamy, and delectable… especially served with a cold scoop of gelato on top.
As I mentioned in the intro, this recipe is from the Mast Brothers Cookbook, but I adapted it slightly. This is my first time making this particular recipe, but I’ve made many others from the book and they’re all amazing! I’d highly recommend if you have a sweet tooth (I certainly do).
Flourless Chocolate Cake (adapted from the Mast Brothers Cookbook)
Ingredients
- 1 pound dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 8 eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (+ 2 tablespoons for the egg whites)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Butter a 8-10" round cake or pie pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter in a double broiler, or the microwave on the melt setting- stirring often and making sure the chocolate doesn't burn.
- Separate the eggs, pouring the yolks into a medium bowl and the whites into another medium mixing bowl.
- Add 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar to the egg yolks and beat until fluffy and light in color.
- Add the melted chocolate to the yolk / sugar mixture, and beat until smooth.
- Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the egg whites and whip to form soft peaks.
- Fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes. The original cookbook recipe suggests baking for 25 minutes (so I'd recommend setting a timer and checking the cake often). My cake took much longer to bake throughout. Altitude might've had something to do with that, but you want to make sure the cake is set and not jiggly in the center.
- Sift the powdered sugar over the cooled cake and serve with whipped cream, gelato, or your favorite ice cream!
This cake isn’t like a traditional cake- it’s more like a chocolate cake meets a brownie, in the best way possible. It comes out of the oven with crunchy top layer and dense, gooey center. Like a molten cake meets a French macaron? Basically my two favorite things. Ha! The combination of textures is my favorite thing about this recipe.
Don’t worry about the cracks when you pull it out of the oven- that’s all apart of the charm of this flourless beauty. You’re going to dust it with confectioners sugar anyway!
You can go as heavy or as light as you’d like with the powdered sugar. I tend to go crazy- so mine is on the heavy side. Maybe I was just inspired by the snow outside my kitchen window? Sure… we’ll go with that!
The next time I make this recipe (there will DEFINITELY be a next time, BTW!), I’m going to try it in ramekins and make mini flourless cakes rather than one big one. I think that presentation would be so nice for a dinner party or romantic dinner… individual mini cakes with a scoop of ice cream on top.
I’d rate this recipe a 5 out of 5. I’m serious when I say- the Mast Brothers book hasn’t failed me yet. Emmett came home from work yesterday right as I was trying the first bite and he immediately stole my plate (eye roll). He said this is one of the best, rich desserts I’ve made (and that’s saying something because I bake a lot).
It definitely did the trick in cheering me up and getting me away from my computer, phone, and social media for a bit. Do you ever retreat to your kitchen to get away or escape reality momentarily? Let me know if you guys try this recipe! I’d love to hear what you think.
This weekend we’re hoping to be tiling the basement bathroom, so I’m sure I’ll have plenty to share on IG stories behind-the-scenes. The bathroom is finally starting to take shape and I’m very excited about this room! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend. See you back here on Monday? Oh yeah… I also wanted to say THANK YOU for all of the love and support yesterday. In addition to baking, you guys sure know how to put a big smile on my face :) xo
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22 Comments
Peggi
January 31, 2020 at 4:31 amYay for baking therapy! (I am truly sorry for the theft of your beautiful, hard work, but no one can take your talent or integrity.💖) You know what’s funny? I love to bake cakes, and half of our household was gluten free for years…but I have never made a flourless chocolate cake?! To be honest, what I love about cakes is dreaming up flavor combinations and decorations, so that’s unnecessary for this simple chocolate wonder. I think individual ramekins would be very elegant, although yours looks as though it cut like a dream. Definitely putting this on my “must try” list. Cheers to the weekend! May it be productive and delicious with at least a little dash of blue sky!🥂☀️😘
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 8:28 amYay for baking! It was a fun afternoon! I think you need to make a gluten-free cake (finally). Haha! I also enjoy dreaming up cake fillings and decorating is my favorite part of the cake baking process. I’m with you. I hope you have an awesome weekend! Maybe some park time with Joe? :) We’re going to knock out tile in the bathroom, which I’m VERY excited about. xo
Traci
January 31, 2020 at 8:15 amI’m so sorry this happened to you. I had to go to your Instagram stories to see exactly what you were talking about. I am sending lots of hugs your way. You are really good at what you do. Hopefully, they will make it right. Also wanted to share this with you. It’s not an attack just an observation because I love all things you and Emmet. I was disappointed to play your Instagram story just now and hear curse words coming from a song that was on there. I had my very young kids right beside me and was super shocked and quickly tried to turn it off but not before they heard two of the bad words. I know you were having a rough day, but I would like for you to keep in mind that a lot of people who follow you aren’t going to want to see or hear these things. I’ll be honest that I would’ve been just as disappointed if my boys weren’t present. Unfortunately branding is everything. I hope you won’t be offended. But I had to share.
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 8:26 amThanks Traci! I appreciate that! No offense taken at all. Right now, I’m really liking Lizzo’s music. I didn’t realize IG had snapped the song during a portion that contains curse words- apologies if your kiddos were present. I didn’t put the song on because I was having an off day- that was just my baking music at the moment (it has become such an anthem in pop lately), and in reality- that’s me. Language like that doesn’t bother me, I like music of all types, and sometimes I curse IRL… shocker- I know! Hah! That’s just who I am. I wouldn’t ever do that on IG stories out of respect for others who share differing opinions. Really sorry I missed that in the song in the background! Hope you have an amazing weekend. xo
Traci
January 31, 2020 at 8:45 amThank you Sarah. I do appreciate your response and I hope you didn’t feel judged because that is not what I am about.
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 9:35 amNo worries at all! I happy to have conversations of all sorts here on the blog and am happy you felt safe / welcome to share. Have a great weekend!
Justynn
January 31, 2020 at 10:01 amYou literally JUST judged/ shamed her. Publicly, on her blog, for everyone to see, based on YOUR opinion.
Saying “that’s not what I’m about”, doesn’t eradicate the fact that you chose to comment on it instead of using it as a moment to teach your children about swear words. I specifically chose my comment about “paying attention to her children” because you would find it offensive and rude, and maybe you’d get an inkling of how someone else feels when stones are cast upon them publicly.
Justynn
January 31, 2020 at 8:26 amI hope the publication does the right thing and makes up for the “mistake”. But also just as a note about the comment above and the music in the background. You do you. You don’t need to dictate your “branding” to fit everyone’s lifestyle. If you want to list to music that swears, then do it. Maybe that reader should have been paying attention to her kids at that moment instead of your story. If she’s going to judge, then she should be prepared to be judged right back. That comment was rude and thoughtless right after a bad day, and there is no-one that needs that in their life.
To the readers: be kind and realize that you’re being allowed into someones personal life, and how would you feel if someone judged you in the same way.
I’ll get off my soapbox now. Have a great day Sarah!
Traci
January 31, 2020 at 8:44 amI wasn’t trying to be rude nor was I judging Sarah. The truth is that a lot of people find curse words offensive. There are a lot of real life issues that bloggers won’t touch with a 10ft pole for fear of alienating or offending a reader. I have admired and championed both Sarah and Emmett since they were in Ohio so being mean or rude is not at all what I was trying to do or what I am about. Hearing curse words on her Instagram is totally out of character for what I’ve seen over the past 4-5 years from her which is why I chose to call it out. I think it was rude of you to say that I should’ve been paying attention to my kids, but whatever. I don’t have any regrets in posting that comment. Good day to you
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 9:49 amI know! No worries, Traci. I am sorry I missed that in the music I was listening to on IG stories- it was a quick tap & post situation. You’re right- you probably haven’t heard a curse word come out of my mouth on Instagram in the past because I like to be inclusive on social media, but I’m also human. I really appreciate your support and encouragement over the years! I think we can all agree to be kind to one another and have a happy Friday :)
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 9:41 amThanks Justynn! What can I say? I like Lizzo (as does a lot of America)- she’s incredible! I was born with a strong determination and personality. I’m sure if anyone were to ask my mother, she’d say I’ve always been unapologetically myself. Haha! I also like and believe in the “you do you” mentality. I appreciate you backing me up, but I also appreciate and respect Traci’s feedback. I’m sure she was just looking out for her kids. I do love your note to all readers (and humans) to be kind to one another. I think we could all use more of that and it’s something we can all agree on :) Have an amazing weekend. Happy Friday!
Justynn
January 31, 2020 at 10:06 amYou’re human. I think you do a great job at being inclusive. Lets support the people we follow not shame them. Otherwise who are we to blame when they go away like Young House Love did other than ourselves. Sites like GOMI are there for a reason. Leave complaints there.
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 12:43 pmThanks, Justynn! I’ve never even heard of GOMI, but it doesn’t sound awesome (yikes). I’m in favor of positivity, support, and kindness around here for sure! I really appreciate that. Anyway- let’s put this discussion to bed and focus on having a wonderful weekend. Cheers to Friday, FINALLY! xox
Justynn
January 31, 2020 at 1:22 pmYeah, those sites are terrible. When i first found out about them i couldn’t believe the type of trash people would put up there, they come off as a large who can be the biggest a$$hole awards sometimes. I guess there has to be a place for every type and I guess I would rather the comments go there then front and center on someone’s hard work.
People can call me rude, that’s fine. It’s no sweat. I live by the philosophy if I wouldn’t say it exactly how I type it to someones face, then it shouldn’t be put there to begin with. Traci- I’m sorry to offend- truly. I have a close friend who puts her life out there blogging (not DIY) and can see first hand how the smallest comments can really tear someone apart. I feel like people don’t realize how their comments come off on the internet, and they end up saying things they would never say to someone face in a crowd where everyone’s watching. It rubbed me the wrong way-and things went farther then they should have.
Shana
January 31, 2020 at 10:35 amI hope things work out for you Sarah. I can’t wait to try the chocolate cake recipe. Thanks for sharing. Not to further this conversation, but I want to say that after reading the comments above the only person who has actually been rude has been Justynn. Perhaps she should subscribe to her own advice and be kind? There’s a way to take up for you without being rude. After all, this is actually one of YOUR readers not hers. I like your blog because there isn’t any drama and because you mostly keep it about your talent. I appreciate your apology to Tracy. It’s good to know who your audience is and to be mindful of what they are or aren’t looking for. You are a class act. On Monday, I went to my favorite blogs (RFT and CLJ) and I didn’t see anything about the tragedy from Sunday. At first I was a bit stunned but then it dawned on me that bloggers must keep some of their personal opinions to themselves as ultimately it can hurt their bottom line if they say or do something that might alienate their “fan base”. So very wise.
Anyway, I can see you are attempting to diffuse this, another reason why I appreciate reading this blog. So I’ll leave it here.
Now about those Property Bro’s. Let’s get it together people!
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 12:12 pmThanks Shana! I’ve been in touch with the editor and it sounds like an honest, human error. These things happen and they’re trying to make it right. I truly applaud them for that. I’ll share more on the situation once we have it resolved :)
I try to keep it drama-free around here and I’m happy that shows. I love everyone who follows along and shows their support, so I want this to feel like a safe place to have fun conversations. To your note about the tragedy on Sunday, I definitely took note in my own personal way and even shared a small bit on social media. Sometimes it’s best to observe quietly, plus I have to focus on my own mental health in certain situations. I’m not sure if that’s wise or not- but it’s just how I roll around here. Anywhoo- thanks for the encouragement and enjoy the chocolate cake! Let me know what you think :) xo
Traci
January 31, 2020 at 10:56 amI wouldn’t dream of going to a site like that and would discourage others as well. Its so distasteful and in my opinion that would be far more hurtful to a blogger than a simple call out in their comments. Justynn this has been an interesting morning, but I have learned something and that is next time to keep my opinions entirely to myself. The old adage is true, if you don’t have anything nice to say than don’t say anything at all. This will be my last response to this situation. Have a wonderful day!
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 12:39 pmI’ve never even heard of this site, friends. Hah! It just goes to show how non tech-savvy / outdated I am…. which I’m totally fine with. Traci, I appreciate your honesty and that you felt comfortable enough to share your feedback with me (no hard feelings at all). That’s what I love about this community- encouragement, support, and honesty. I’m sorry for the heated debate happening in the comment section or if it caused anyone distress. Anyway- let’s put this discussion to bed and keep it positive from here on out. Happy weekend vibes!! xo
Colleen
January 31, 2020 at 11:20 amI like your outlook Sarah! When life deals you lemons you make an amazing Chocolate cake 😋 Yum! So much better than lemonade in my opinion 😉 That cake looks so delicious. Wow!
I’m terrible at baking but I’m sure going to try to recruit my daughter whom has your Incredible baking gene to give it a try 😆
So sorry to hear your work was published without your permission or credit given 😡 I sincerely hope this magazine will correct their “error” and you get the credit you deserve. I loved your basement makeover 😍 You are absolutely so talented and the gorgeous spaces you reveal are fabulous! Wishing you a beautiful weekend cheers 🥂
Sarah
January 31, 2020 at 12:45 pmThanks, Colleen! Right? That’s my new philosophy… when life deals you lemons- MAKE THE CHOCOLATE CAKE!! Preach. Haha :) Thanks for putting a smile on my face and for keeping it upbeat. Let me know what you guys think if your daughter gives the recipe a try. It’s really an easy one, and super delicious! I hope you have a wonderful weekend filled with fun (and maybe chocolate cake). xoxo
Julie S
January 31, 2020 at 8:08 pmWhoah, this cake thingy looks amazing. I don’t eat any grains at all, but I do love chocolate and have been particularly craving it so maybe I’ll bake this tomorrow depending on my energy levels. Mmmmmm. If so, I’ll let you know how it works out with part of the sugar substituted with truvia! Can’t switch it all out or the taste is wrong, but I can get the sugar lower for my continued health :)
Sarah
February 3, 2020 at 9:04 amYes!! It’s so good, Julie. Let me know wha you think if you end up making it :) I’m sure it could be altered with the sweetener of your choice. xo