Dense, rich, and unapologetically chocolatey, this Decadent Chocolate Cake is a showstopper that’s naturally gluten-free and deeply satisfying. It’s my go-to dessert for dinner guests — indulgent, make-ahead friendly, and guaranteed to wow.
PrintDecadent Chocolate Cake
When I want to serve something truly decadent — but not chaotic to prepare — this Decadent Chocolate Cake always delivers. It’s one of my all-time favorite desserts to make for dinner parties because it feels elegant and special, yet it comes together with simple ingredients. Even better, I always bake it the day before entertaining. The flavor deepens overnight, the texture becomes even more luxurious, and I get to enjoy hosting without last-minute dessert stress. Baked gently in a water bath like a cheesecake, it emerges with a silky-smooth center and a rich, truffle-like finish. A dusting of cocoa or a dollop of whipped cream is all it needs — though I won’t say no to a drizzle of ganache either.
- Prep Time: 30
- Chill Time: 4 hours or overnight
- Cook Time: 30-35
- Total Time: 1 hour + chill time
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Stovetop, oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
cup (170g) high-quality bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped or chips (60-70% cocoa)
1/2 cup (1 stick/113g) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup (40g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder, sifted
Optional: Powdered sugar, whipped cream, berries, or ganache for topping
Instructions
1. Prep the oven and pan:
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Lightly grease an 8-inch springform pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Wrap the outside of the pan with two to three layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent leaks.
2. Make the water bath:
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Boil a kettle or large pot of water. You’ll need enough to fill a roasting pan with 1–2 inches of water.
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Place a roasting pan or deep baking dish on the middle rack of your oven.
3. Melt chocolate and butter:
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In a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth.
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Remove from heat and whisk in the sugar, salt, and vanilla.
4. Add eggs and cocoa:
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Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, until fully blended.
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Gently stir in the sifted Dutch cocoa powder until just combined. Batter will be thick and glossy.
5. Bake in water bath:
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Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
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Place the springform pan into the roasting pan and carefully pour hot water into the roasting pan, until it reaches halfway up the sides of the cake pan.
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Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is just set and a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs.
6. Cool and chill:
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Carefully remove the springform pan from the water bath and cool on a wire rack.
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Once cooled to room temperature, refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best texture.
7. Serve:
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Run a knife around the edge and release the springform.
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Dust with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream, berries, or a chocolate ganache drizzle.
Notes
🍫 Baking Notes & Chocolate Insights
No Water Bath? Want a Crustier Top?
If you prefer a rustic texture with a crisp top (think brownie-meets-torte), skip the foil and water bath. Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes instead. You’ll get a crackly surface and a slightly denser bite.
🍫 What’s Dutch Cocoa — and Why Use It?
Dutch-processed cocoa is treated with an alkaline solution to neutralize acidity, resulting in a smoother, darker cocoa with a rich, earthy flavor. It’s less bitter than natural cocoa and perfect for deep chocolate desserts like this one.
If using natural cocoa powder, expect a sharper, brighter chocolate note and a slightly different color. (Still delicious, just different.)
🍫 Which Chocolate Should I Use?
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Bittersweet (60–70%): Rich and balanced — ideal for this cake.
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Semi-sweet: Slightly sweeter; still works well if you prefer a milder chocolate flavor.
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Avoid milk chocolate — it’s too sweet and lacks the intensity needed here.
Tip: Always taste your chocolate before baking with it. If you wouldn’t eat it straight, don’t bake with it.
🍫 Texture Tip:
The water bath insulates the cake and allows it to bake gently, which is why the result is so silky and custard-like. It’s the same principle behind cheesecake baking — no dry edges, no cracking.
🍷 Wine Pairings
Ruby Port
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A classic pairing — its deep berry notes and sweet intensity match the richness of the cake beautifully.
Cabernet Sauvignon
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Bold and tannic enough to hold up to dark chocolate, especially if using bittersweet chocolate (70%+).
Red Zinfandel or Syrah
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Fruity, peppery, and full-bodied — ideal if your cake is topped with berries.
Banyuls (French dessert wine)
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A lesser-known gem — soft, chocolate-friendly, and not overly sweet.
💡 Avoid overly sweet red wines (like Lambrusco) or high-acidity whites — they can clash with the cake’s depth.
☕ Coffee & Espresso Pairings
- Espresso or Ristretto – The sharp intensity cuts through the richness of the cake.
- Café Mocha or Coffee with a Touch of Cinnamon – Chocolate + coffee is a natural duo. Add a little spice for intrigue.
- Cold Brew with a Dash of Cream – Smooth and low-acid, a refreshing balance to the dense, fudgy texture.
🍨 Dessert Companions & Garnishes
- Fresh Whipped Cream – Lightens each bite — add a splash of vanilla or a hint of orange zest for flair.
- Raspberry or Cherry Coulis – A tangy fruit sauce brings brightness and color to the plate.
- Ganache Drizzle-Double down on decadence — warm chocolate ganache over a chilled slice is divine.
- Vanilla Bean Ice Cream or Espresso Gelato – Classic contrast: hot and cold, rich and light. Let it melt slightly into the cake — it’s magic.
🌿 Elegant Finishing Touches
- Edible gold leaf or cocoa nibs for a special occasion.
- Crushed pistachios or toasted hazelnuts for texture.
- Flaky sea salt to amplify chocolate flavor and add contrast.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cake
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 5