Flourless chocolate cake, also known as chocolate fudge cake, is a rich and decadent dessert made without flour. Instead, the cake relies on eggs and chocolate for structure and flavor. Flourless chocolate cake is perfect for those on a gluten-free diet. But just because it’s gluten-free doesn’t mean it’s low in calories. Let’s take a closer look at how many calories are in a typical piece of flourless chocolate cake.
What Is Flourless Chocolate Cake?
Flourless chocolate cake is made by mixing eggs, chocolate, butter, sugar, and sometimes cocoa powder. The eggs provide structure in place of flour. This gives the cake a very dense, fudgy texture. Flourless chocolate cake often contains chocolate chips or chunks to make it extra chocolaty. It’s baked in a springform pan so the cake can be easily removed after cooling. Flourless chocolate cakes are extremely rich and chocolatey. They are ideal for chocolate lovers.
Calories in Flourless Chocolate Cake
The number of calories in flourless chocolate cake can vary greatly depending on the recipe and serving size. In general, a small slice of flourless chocolate cake contains around 300-400 calories. A more typical moderately sized slice contains 400-600 calories. And a very large, decadent slice may contain 700 calories or more.
Here are some estimates for calories per slice of flourless chocolate cake based on common serving sizes:
| Serving Size | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2 inch square piece | 300 calories |
| 1/6 of 8-inch cake | 400 calories |
| 1/8 of 10-inch cake | 500 calories |
| 1/10 of 12-inch cake | 600 calories |
| 1/12 of 14-inch cake | 700 calories |
As you can see, the calories add up quickly with rich flourless chocolate cake. Even a smaller piece can pack 300 calories.
Factors That Affect Calories
Several factors influence the calorie content of flourless chocolate cake:
Ingredients
The main ingredients in flourless chocolate cake are chocolate, eggs, butter, and sugar. The calorie counts of recipes vary based on the amount and type of these ingredients:
– Dark chocolate has more calories than milk chocolate or chocolate chips due to its higher cocoa butter content. So cakes made with darker chocolate tend to be higher in calories.
– Large eggs contain about 70 calories each while small eggs have about 60 calories. Recipes calling for more eggs mean more calories.
– Butter and oil add a significant number of calories, with butter providing 100+ calories per tablespoon. Minimizing these ingredients reduces calories.
– Granulated white sugar and brown sugar both provide about 15-20 calories per teaspoon. Limiting added sugars lowers calorie counts.
Serving Size
As shown in the calorie chart above, serving size has a big impact. Smaller slices mean fewer calories. Larger slices quickly increase the calories. Cutting neat squares or triangles makes portioning easier.
Additions & Toppings
What you add to flourless chocolate cake also affects calorie content:
– Frostings like ganache or buttercream add 150+ calories per serving.
– Mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, and brownie chunks boost calories.
– Toppings like fresh whipped cream, ice cream, and chocolate sauce increase calories.
– Drizzles of chocolate, caramel, or fruit purees add extra calories.
Leaving the cake plain saves the most calories. But additions like fresh raspberries or mint leaves dress it up without too many extra calories.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for a typical medium-sized 1/8 slice of flourless chocolate cake:
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 500 |
| Fat | 36g |
| Saturated fat | 22g |
| Trans fat | 1g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 24g |
| Protein | 7g |
As you can see, flourless chocolate cake is high in calories, fat, and saturated fat due to the large amounts of chocolate, eggs, and butter. It also contains a significant amount of sugar.
However, the cake provides a small amount of fiber and protein. And the primary fat sources — cocoa butter and eggs — are considered healthy fats when consumed in moderation.
Ways to Lighten Flourless Chocolate Cake
Here are some tips for reducing calories in flourless chocolate cake:
– Use unsweetened cocoa powder and limit chocolate. Cocoa provides chocolate flavor with fewer calories.
– Choose a recipe with less butter or oil and substitute applesauce or yogurt for some of the fat.
– Replace some or all of the sugar with a low-calorie sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
– Substitute a portion of the eggs with egg whites or egg substitute to reduce fat and calories.
– Bake cake in mini muffin tins for perfectly portioned bite-size cakes.
– Top with fresh fruit like raspberries or strawberries instead of heavy frostings.
– Offer smaller slices and use a cake spatula to portion neatly.
– Enjoy cake after a meal so you consume fewer calories overall.
Healthy Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe
This lighter recipe cuts calories by reducing butter and sugar. Raspberries add fiber, vitamins, and sweetness:
Ingredients
– 8 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 3 large eggs
– 2 egg whites
– 1 teaspoon vanilla
– 1/4 cup cocoa powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch springform pan with cooking spray.
2. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or microwave on half power. Let cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, stir together yogurt, honey, eggs, egg whites, and vanilla.
4. Whisk in melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and arrange raspberries evenly on top.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes until set around edges but still soft in the middle.
7. Let cool completely on a wire rack before removing pan sides.
8. Refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours before slicing. Garnish with more raspberries before serving.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Calories | 145 |
| Fat | 8g |
| Carbs | 17g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g |
| Protein | 3g |
This lighter flourless chocolate cake contains just 145 calories and 8g fat per serving. The raspberries add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidant power. It’s a more nutritious way to enjoy the rich chocolate flavor.
Storing and Freezing Flourless Chocolate Cake
Flourless chocolate cake stays fresh covered at room temperature for several days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to one week. Cover tightly with plastic wrap once cooled so it doesn’t absorb fridge odors.
Freezing is another great long-term option. Allow the cake to cool completely first. Then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place in freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Conclusion
Flourless chocolate cake is high in calories, fat, and sugar compared to other cake varieties. Exact calorie counts vary greatly based on serving size and specific ingredients. But expect a moderate slice to deliver around 400-600 calories. Ways to lighten flourless chocolate cake include using less butter, sugar, and chocolate. Baking in mini pans provides built-in portion control. Topping with fresh fruit offsets some of the calories. Despite the high calorie content, flourless chocolate cake can be enjoyed in moderation as part of healthy diet. Savor small slices and stick to just a taste on special occasions.