A delectable flourless chocolate cake featuring crispy edges and a lusciously soft center, topped with a velvety vanilla cream and a sweet-tart cherry compote, promises a delightful treat with every bite. Inspired by numerous requests for a flourless chocolate cake that rivals the traditional version, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. Using frozen cherries in the compote makes it a versatile dessert suitable for any season, whether you are entertaining guests or simply indulging in a sweet craving.
**Ingredients:**
**Cake**
– 1 cup dark chocolate chips
– ½ cup unsalted butter, plus additional for greasing the pan
– â…” cup sugar
– ¼ tsp salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 4 large beaten eggs
– Slightly less than ½ cup cocoa powder
**Vanilla Cream**
– 4 egg yolks
– 1¾ cups 35% cream
– ¼ cup sugar
– 1 tbsp vanilla paste (or vanilla extract)
**Cherry Compote**
– 3 cups frozen pitted cherries
– ⅓–½ cup sugar, to taste
**Preparation:**
**Cake**
Preheat the oven to 375°F with a rack in the middle. Grease an 8-inch round pan generously with butter, line the bottom with parchment paper, and grease it again with butter.
In a large heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and butter, then melt them over a pot of simmering water or in the microwave until smooth. Add sugar, salt, and vanilla, followed by beaten eggs and cocoa powder, stirring until smooth.
Pour the batter into the pan and bake for about 25 minutes until set at the edges but still soft in the center. Allow it to cool before serving.
**Vanilla Cream**
Place egg yolks in a heatproof bowl. In a saucepan, heat cream, sugar, and vanilla until steaming. Slowly add the hot cream to the egg yolks, whisking vigorously. Return the mixture to the saucepan, cook until slightly thickened, then set aside.
**Cherry Compote**
Combine frozen cherries and sugar in a saucepan over low heat. Cook covered until the cherries release juices and the mixture thickens, approximately 40-45 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside until serving.
*Yields 6 to 8 servings.*
This delectable flourless chocolate cake with vanilla cream and cherry compote is a winning dessert suitable for various occasions and sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own sweet cravings.