This Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake combines the rich flavors of red velvet with the decadence of a flourless chocolate cake. The cake features a fudgy center, a crispy meringue lid, and is topped with a tangy cream cheese whipped cream. It’s perfect for special occasions or when you want to indulge in a luxurious dessert.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 8 oz (226g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped

• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed

• 6 eggs, separated into 4 whites in one bowl and 2 yolks + 2 eggs in another

• 1 cup (220g) granulated sugar, divided into two ½ cups

• 2 tablespoons Dutch-process cocoa powder

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt

• 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)

For the Topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar (for cranberries)

• ½ cup water (for cranberries)

• 6 oz cranberries

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)

• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for whipped cream)

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8” or 9” cake pan (3” deep) and line it with parchment paper. Clip the paper into place to prevent it from moving.

2. Melt the Chocolate: Set a glass bowl over a pot of gently simmering water (double boiler). Add the semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Stir until melted and smooth.

3. Mix the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, cocoa powder, and half of the sugar. Once combined, stir in the melted chocolate mixture and the red food coloring.

4. Whip the Egg Whites: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, whip the egg whites until frothy. Gradually add the remaining sugar and continue to beat until medium-stiff peaks form.

5. Fold the Batter: Carefully fold the meringue into the chocolate mixture, adding it a spoonful at a time. Be gentle to avoid deflating the meringue. Fold until combined but still airy.

6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 35-45 minutes (40 minutes for a 9″ pan, up to 50 minutes for an 8″). The cake will rise, crack, and deflate once it cools.

7. Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely in the pan. Once cool, lift it out using the parchment paper.

8. Make the Cranberries: In a pot, combine ½ cup sugar and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil until sugar dissolves. Pour over cranberries and let soak for 5 minutes. Drain and dry on a cooling rack for about 1 hour. Roll them in extra sugar.

9. Prepare the Whipped Cream: Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Scrape the vanilla bean seeds into the cream cheese, add the sugar, and beat until combined. Whip the heavy cream to soft peaks and fold it into the cream cheese mixture.

10. Serve: Top the cooled cake with the cream cheese whipped cream and garnish with the frosted cranberries.

Nutritional Information (per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 320 kcal

• Fat: 25 g

  • Saturated Fat: 15 g

• Cholesterol: 90 mg

• Sodium: 150 mg

• Carbohydrates: 29 g

  • Fiber: 3 g

  • Sugar: 20 g

• Protein: 5 g

• Vitamin A: 10% DV

• Vitamin C: 2% DV

• Calcium: 5% DV

• Iron: 10% DV

The Allure of Flourless Chocolate Cake

Flourless chocolate cake is known for its dense, fudgy texture, which sets it apart from traditional cakes. The absence of flour allows the rich chocolate flavor to take center stage. This unique texture is the result of whipping the egg whites and folding them into the chocolate mixture, creating a cake that is airy on the outside yet dense and moist on the inside. The flourless nature of the cake also makes it suitable for gluten-free diets, adding to its versatility.

In this recipe, the flourless chocolate cake is enhanced with the addition of red velvet elements. The deep, dark chocolate flavor is complemented by the tangy richness of the cream cheese whipped cream and the bright red color that makes the cake visually stunning. This twist on a classic flourless chocolate cake brings together the best of both worlds, creating a dessert that is both indulgent and eye-catching.

Creating the Red Velvet Twist

The red velvet twist in this cake comes from the addition of red food coloring and the slight tang that is characteristic of red velvet desserts. The red food coloring gives the cake its signature hue, which contrasts beautifully with the deep chocolate flavor. Red velvet cakes are typically known for their soft and light texture, but in this case, the flourless nature of the cake gives it a denser, richer consistency. The combination of these two elements creates a unique texture and flavor that is both familiar and exciting.

The use of cocoa powder and the tang from the buttermilk (which is usually found in red velvet cakes but here is replaced by other acidic ingredients) helps balance the sweetness of the cake, enhancing the chocolate flavor while providing a slight tartness that complements the cream cheese topping. This slight tang from the cake itself and the cream cheese whipped cream further elevates the overall experience, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

The Meringue: Light and Airy

One of the key techniques in this recipe is the preparation of the meringue. Egg whites are whipped to medium-stiff peaks and then gently folded into the chocolate batter. The meringue adds a lightness and airiness to the cake, creating a contrast between the crispy meringue lid and the dense, fudgy center. This technique results in a cake that rises beautifully in the oven, creating a dramatic crack on top that is characteristic of flourless chocolate cakes.

The meringue also adds a slight sweetness to the cake without overpowering the rich chocolate flavor. The combination of the smooth chocolate base and the light meringue topping gives the cake a perfect balance of textures, with the crispy top and fudgy middle coming together to create a truly indulgent dessert.

Cranberry Garnish: A Tart and Sweet Addition

The addition of frosted cranberries as a garnish brings both color and flavor to the cake. The tartness of the cranberries contrasts beautifully with the rich, sweet flavor of the cake and the cream cheese whipped cream. The cranberries are soaked in a sugar syrup and then rolled in sugar, creating a crystallized coating that adds a bit of crunch to the garnish. Their bright red color provides a visually striking contrast to the deep red hue of the cake, making it even more appealing to the eye.

This garnish not only adds texture but also introduces a refreshing tartness that cuts through the richness of the cake. The balance of sweet and tart flavors enhances the overall dessert experience, providing a perfect finish to each bite. The frosted cranberries bring a touch of elegance to the cake, making it suitable for special occasions like birthdays, holidays, or any celebration that calls for a show-stopping dessert.

The Cream Cheese Whipped Cream: A Rich and Tangy Topping

The whipped cream topping for this Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake is made with cream cheese, adding a tangy richness that complements the chocolate and enhances the overall flavor profile. Whipped cream on its own is a classic topping for many desserts, but when combined with cream cheese, it takes on a velvety texture and a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cake.

The vanilla bean or vanilla extract added to the whipped cream provides an aromatic warmth, further enriching the flavor. The texture of the cream cheese whipped cream is smooth and light, making it a perfect contrast to the dense, fudgy center of the cake. When spread on top of the cake, the cream cheese whipped cream forms a luscious, creamy layer that adds to the indulgence of this already decadent dessert.

Baking the Cake: A Simple Yet Elegant Process

Baking the Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake is a straightforward process, but the results are nothing short of spectacular. The cake is baked in a simple 8-inch or 9-inch cake pan, with parchment paper lining the sides to ensure easy removal once the cake has cooled. The batter is poured into the pan, and the cake is baked at 350°F (175°C) for about 35-45 minutes, depending on the pan size. The cake will rise, crack on top, and deflate slightly as it cools, leaving behind a dramatic appearance that is typical of flourless chocolate cakes.

The texture of the cake after baking is crucial. It should have a firm, fudgy center that is slightly gooey in the middle, while the top forms a crispy meringue lid. This contrast between the fudgy center and the airy top creates a delightful mouthfeel, making each bite a satisfying experience. Once the cake has cooled completely, it can be topped with the whipped cream and frosted cranberries, completing the presentation and flavor.

Perfect Pairings: Enjoying the Cake

Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake is rich and indulgent on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of beverages to enhance the experience. A cup of freshly brewed coffee is a perfect match, as the bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the cake and cuts through its richness. For a more decadent pairing, a glass of red wine, particularly a sweet wine like port or a rich dessert wine, would work wonderfully to complement the cake’s complex flavors.

If you prefer something non-alcoholic, a glass of milk or a milk alternative, such as almond milk or oat milk, is a classic choice. The creamy texture of the milk balances the richness of the cake, providing a refreshing contrast. This cake can be served at any special occasion or as an everyday treat, making it a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed any time you crave something indulgent.

Customizing the Cake: Variations and Alternatives

While this Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake is delicious as written, it can be customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For those who prefer a dairy-free version, the cream cheese whipped cream can be made using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and non-dairy whipping cream. The cake itself can also be made using dairy-free ingredients, such as dairy-free yogurt and non-dairy butter.

For those who prefer a different flavor combination, you can experiment with adding a dash of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor or incorporate orange zest for a citrusy twist. The addition of flavored liqueurs, such as Grand Marnier or Chambord, to the batter or frosting could provide a unique, fruity undertone to the cake.

Conclusion: A Luxurious, Decadent Dessert

The Flourless Red Velvet Chocolate Cake is an indulgent and luxurious dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the warmth of red velvet and a tangy cream cheese whipped cream topping. The fudgy center, crispy meringue lid, and the addition of frosted cranberries create a delightful contrast in texture and flavor, making this cake a standout dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply craving a decadent treat, this cake offers the perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and richness. Its versatility and stunning presentation make it a dessert that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.