Decadent Flourless Hazelnut Mascarpone Chocolate Delight
This indulgent flourless chocolate cake combines the rich flavors of dark chocolate and hazelnuts with the creamy texture of mascarpone cheese. The gluten-free cake, elegantly layered with cocoa and powdered sugar decoration, becomes even more moist and flavorful when prepared a day ahead. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for an irresistible dessert experience. Perfect for celebrations or to impress guests with a sophisticated touch.
8
Servings
461
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
hazelnuts or hazelnut meal
1 cup (whole or ground)
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
dark chocolate
7 ounces (broken into pieces)
mascarpone cheese
8 ounces (at room temperature)
coconut sugar
1 cup (none)
eggs
3 (none)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (none)
rum or brandy
1 tablespoon (optional)
salt
3/4 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
cocoa powder
to taste (for dusting)
powdered sugar
to taste (for dusting)
whipped cream or ice cream
optional (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. If using whole hazelnuts, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). For hazelnut meal, skip to step 4.
2
2. Toast the whole hazelnuts on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until they are golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool.
3
3. Transfer the cooled hazelnuts to a food processor. Pulse them until you achieve a fine meal. Be cautious not to over-process to avoid turning them into nut butter.
4
4. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter and dark chocolate over very low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.
5
5. Preheat the oven again to 350°F (180°C) if you haven't already. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with non-stick spray or butter.
6
6. In a large mixing bowl, beat the room-temperature mascarpone cheese until it is smooth and creamy. Gradually add the coconut sugar, continuing to beat until well incorporated.
7
7. Add the eggs, one at a time, into the mascarpone mixture, beating well after each addition until the mixture is light and creamy.
8
8. Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the mascarpone mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and optional liquor of your choice. Mix until blended.
9
9. Fold in the ground hazelnut meal, salt, and cinnamon gently until well combined.
10
10. Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan, spreading evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
11
11. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan. Transfer to a cake plate.
12
12. Once completely cooled, use a heart-shaped stencil to dust cocoa powder around the outer edges. Place the remaining paper on the cake and dust powdered sugar for a white heart design in the center.
13
13. Serve with love, adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream on the side if desired.
Nutrition Information
33.25g
Fat
33.75g
Carbs
8.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Decadent Flourless Hazelnut Mascarpone Chocolate Delight?
It is an indulgent chocolate cake that combines dark chocolate, hazelnuts, and creamy mascarpone cheese without using flour.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, the recipe is gluten-free as it uses hazelnut meal instead of traditional flour.
How many servings does this cake provide?
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains 461 calories.
How much fat is in one slice?
There are 33.25g of fat per serving.
What are the carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 33.75g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this cake have?
There is 8.25g of protein per serving.
How do I prepare the hazelnuts if using whole nuts?
Toast them at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, cool, and then pulse in a food processor until a fine meal is achieved.
Can I use pre-ground hazelnut meal?
Yes, you can skip the toasting and grinding steps if you have pre-ground hazelnut meal.
How do I avoid turning hazelnuts into nut butter?
Pulse the nuts cautiously in the food processor and avoid over-processing them.
How much dark chocolate is required?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of dark chocolate broken into pieces.
What is the best way to melt the chocolate and butter?
Melt them together in a small saucepan over very low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth.
Why should the mascarpone be at room temperature?
Room temperature mascarpone ensures it can be beaten until smooth and creamy without lumps.
What type of sugar is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 cup of coconut sugar.
How should the eggs be incorporated?
Add the 3 eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is light.
Is there an optional alcohol recommendation?
Yes, you can optionally add 1 tablespoon of rum or brandy for extra flavor.
What spices are used in the batter?
The recipe includes 3/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
What size pan should I use for baking?
A 9-inch springform pan is recommended for this cake.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The cake should be baked at 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
How long does the cake take to bake?
Bake the cake for 40 to 45 minutes.
How do I know when the cake is finished baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
How long should I let the cake cool?
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before removing the sides.
Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, preparing it a day ahead makes it even more moist and flavorful.
How do I create the heart design on top?
Use a heart-shaped stencil to dust cocoa powder around the edges and powdered sugar in the center.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients listed.
Is vanilla extract used in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
What is the suggested category for this dish?
It is categorized as a dessert, specifically a flourless chocolate cake.
Does the recipe require greasing the pan?
Yes, you should lightly grease the springform pan with non-stick spray or butter.