If you love the taste of rich, velvety chocolate desserts, then this Chocolate Torte Recipe is for you! A luxurious combination of deep, bittersweet chocolate and smooth butter creates an irresistible treat that’s perfect for any special occasion or a cozy dessert after dinner.
This cake is dense, moist, and ultra-chocolatey—everything you could ever want in a torte. It’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.
Ingredients List
Chocolate Torte Ingredients
- 8 ounces (226g) unsweetened chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
- 5 large eggs
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Ice cream and chocolate sauce, for serving
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you dive into preparing this chocolate masterpiece, make sure you have the essential kitchen tools to help make the process seamless:
- Double Boiler or Microwave-Safe Bowl: You’ll need this for melting the chocolate and butter together without burning them. A double boiler will give you gentle, even heat, but the microwave works just as well when used in short bursts.
- Whisk: A simple yet essential tool for mixing together the eggs, sugar, and dry ingredients.
- Hand or Stand Mixer: If you have one, a mixer will speed up the mixing process and help create a smooth, lump-free batter.
- 9-inch Round Cake Pan: Grease and line your cake pan before pouring in the batter to ensure easy removal.
- Cooling Rack: After the torte comes out of the oven, let it cool properly to maintain its texture and flavor.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing the torte neatly, especially if you want to cut it into perfect portions.
Torte Preparation: How to Make a Heavenly Chocolate Torte
Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, it’s time to prepare your rich chocolate torte. The process is simple but requires a little patience to ensure that each step is done perfectly. Here’s how to make this irresistible dessert:
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
Start by melting the unsweetened chocolate and butter together. You can do this using a double boiler or a microwave-safe bowl. If you’re using a double boiler, place the chocolate and butter in the top pan and stir occasionally until both are fully melted and smooth. If you prefer the microwave, heat the chocolate and butter in 20-30 second bursts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Whisk Together Eggs and Sugar
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. This should take about 3-4 minutes of vigorous whisking. You can use a hand whisk or a stand mixer for this step.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Once your chocolate-butter mixture has cooled a little, slowly pour it into the egg-sugar mixture, stirring gently until everything is fully combined. Add in the vanilla extract, flour, and salt, mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix here; just stir until all the ingredients are incorporated. You’ll notice that the batter will be thick and glossy.
Step 4: Pour the Batter Into the Pan
Grease your 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure even distribution. The batter will be thick, so be sure to scrape down the sides to get all the goodness into the pan.
Baking and Cooling the Chocolate Torte
Now that your batter is ready and in the pan, it’s time to bake your torte to perfection. The baking process is crucial for getting that dense, moist texture that makes this cake a true indulgence.
Step 5: Bake the Torte
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once the oven is ready, place your cake pan on the center rack and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know the torte is done when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly—don’t worry, it will firm up as it cools. A toothpick inserted into the center of the torte should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Be careful not to overbake, as you want that rich, fudgy texture.
Step 6: Cool the Torte
Once baked, remove the torte from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the pan onto a cooling rack, removing the parchment paper from the bottom of the torte. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature. It will continue to firm up as it cools.
The torte should be dense and slightly cracked on top, but don’t worry, that’s completely normal. The cracks will give it that rustic, homemade charm.
Serving, Decorating, and Storing Your Chocolate Torte
Now that your chocolate torte has cooled and is ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! This decadent dessert is best served simply, allowing the deep chocolate flavor to shine, but there are plenty of ways to elevate it with just a few finishing touches.
Step 7: Serving the Torte
To serve, slice your torte into wedges with a sharp knife, making sure each slice is rich and fudgy. The torte pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of rich chocolate sauce. The contrast of the cold ice cream and warm torte creates an indulgent experience with every bite. You could also dust the top of the torte with a little powdered sugar for an elegant finish or even add some fresh berries on top for a touch of freshness.
Optional Garnishes and Variations
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can make this dessert feel even more luxurious.
- Chocolate Ganache: For an extra chocolatey indulgence, pour a glossy layer of chocolate ganache over the cooled torte.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries are a great way to add some color and tang to balance the richness of the chocolate.
- Nuts: Chopped toasted hazelnuts or almonds sprinkled on top can add a delightful crunch.
Step 8: Storing Your Chocolate Torte
If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store your torte in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This torte also freezes beautifully—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. You can freeze it for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm up individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds.
Conclusion
This rich and indulgent Chocolate Torte is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its dense, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor, it’s sure to impress your guests or satisfy your own chocolate cravings. Whether served with a scoop of ice cream, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or just as is, this torte is a true chocolate lover’s dream come true. Simple to make, yet absolutely stunning, this cake will quickly become one of your favorite desserts to bake and enjoy.
