Copycat Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake Recipe

For anyone who’s ever faced the challenge of baking for a gluten-sensitive friend or simply yearned to reduce their refined sugar intake without sacrificing their sweet tooth, Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake emerges as a beacon of hope and deliciousness. This isn’t just another gluten-free dessert option; it’s a revelation in the world of sweets, proving that with the right blend of rich dark chocolate, ingenious sweetening solutions, and a touch of culinary magic, you can create a dessert that’s as unforgettable as it is accommodating.

How to make Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake

​Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake is a limited-edition dessert created by Crumbl in collaboration with Kourtney Kardashian as part of the brand’s first-ever full menu takeover featuring the Kardashian-Jenner family.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (about 6 ounces) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar or a substitute for a less refined option
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)
• Optional for Garnish
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• Powdered sugar
• Whipped cream

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake once baked.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or gently in the microwave, stirring at regular intervals until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. Add Sugar and Flavor: Stir in the sugar, salt, and vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture until fully integrated.
4. Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition.
5. Cocoa Powder: Sift in the cocoa powder to avoid lumps and fold it into the mixture until it is combined. Don’t overmix.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cake has set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
7. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack and remove the parchment paper. Allow it to cool completely.
8. Decorate: Once cooled, dust with additional cocoa powder or powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Tips

• Chocolate Quality: The better the quality of the chocolate, the better your cake will taste. For this recipe, look for chocolate with a high cocoa content.
• Gentle Melting: Chocolate burns easily, so whether you use a microwave or double boiler, keep the heat low and stir often.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Room temperature eggs incorporate into the batter more easily and help achieve a better texture.
• No Overbaking: This cake is meant to be moist inside, so be careful not to overbake it. It should be just set, and a little wobble is okay as it will firm up while cooling.
• Cooling Time: Don’t rush the cooling process; this will give the cake time to set properly for the perfect fudgy texture.
• Serving: Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, depending on your preference.

What to serve with

Serving the perfect accompaniments with a Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate Cake can elevate the dessert from simply delicious to utterly divine. The rich, dense texture of the cake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, ranging from fresh fruits to creamy dairy products and even some unexpected savory options.

1. Fresh Berries

Suggestion: Serve a mix of fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, and blueberries. Their natural acidity and sweetness cut through the density of the chocolate, providing a refreshing contrast.

Preparation: You can serve the berries fresh or macerate them by sprinkling a little sugar and a splash of lemon juice or balsamic vinegar over them and letting them sit for about 15 minutes before serving.

2. Whipped Cream

Suggestion: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream is a classic pairing that adds a creamy texture and slight sweetness.

Preparation: Beat heavy cream with a teaspoon of vanilla extract and a tablespoon of sugar until soft peaks form.

3. Ice Cream

Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream works wonderfully with warm chocolate cake, offering a cold contrast.

Preparation: For an extra gourmet touch, consider homemade ice cream or choose premium brands with pure vanilla flavor.

4. Sauces

Options: Chocolate ganache, raspberry coulis, or caramel sauce.

Preparation:

• Chocolate Ganache: Heat cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped chocolate, let stand for a minute, and stir until smooth.
• Raspberry Coulis: Blend fresh raspberries with a bit of sugar and strain to remove seeds.
• Caramel Sauce: Melt sugar until amber, then carefully blend in butter and heavy cream until smooth.

5. Citrus Accents

Suggestion: Citrus elements can brighten the chocolate’s deep flavors. Consider adding orange zest over the cake or serving with candied citrus peel.

Preparation: Use a microplane to add fresh orange or lemon zest directly over the cake before serving. For candied peels, simmer strips of citrus peel in sugar and water until they become translucent, then dry on a rack.

6. Nutty Additions

Suggestion: Toasted almonds, hazelnuts, or walnuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

Preparation: Toast nuts in a dry skillet or oven until golden, then cool and chop before sprinkling over the cake.

7. Cheese

Suggestion: For an unconventional pairing, offer a sharp cheese, like aged Parmesan or a creamy blue cheese, alongside the cake.

Preparation: Serve small slices or crumbles of cheese on the side or even on top of the cake for adventurous guests.

8. Coffee or Tea

Suggestion: Complement the deep chocolate flavor with beverages like espresso, French press coffee, or a rich black tea.

Preparation: Brew fresh coffee or steep tea to serve alongside the dessert. Both help cleanse the palate and are especially welcoming in a dessert setting.

9. Dessert Wines

Suggestion: Port, Sherry, or a late-harvest Riesling can complement the richness of the chocolate with their sweet complexity.

Preparation: Choose a dessert wine that balances the chocolate’s flavor. Depending on the wine type, serve chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Kourtney Kardashian’s Flourless Chocolate Cake allows for various ingredient substitutions to accommodate different dietary preferences or restrictions, or to simply use what you have on hand.

1. Chocolate

Original: High-quality semisweet or bittersweet chocolate

Substitutes:

• Dairy-Free Chocolate: Use dairy-free chocolate brands if you need the cake to be vegan or lactose-free.
• Cacao Powder: For a more intense chocolate flavor or if solid chocolate isn’t available, substitute with 1/4 cup of cacao powder mixed with 1/4 cup of melted coconut oil and 1/4 cup of sugar for every 100 grams of chocolate.

2. Butter

Original: Regular unsalted butter

Substitutes:

• Coconut Oil: Use an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Vegan Butter: Substitute with any vegan butter to maintain a similar flavor and texture profile.
• Ghee: For those who are lactose intolerant, ghee (clarified butter) is an excellent alternative, keeping the richness while removing most of the lactose.

3. Sugar

Original: Granulated sugar

Substitutes:

• Coconut Sugar: An equal amount of coconut sugar for a more caramel-like flavor and lower glycemic index.
• Honey or Maple Syrup: Use 3/4 cup for every 1 cup of sugar. Adjust the liquid in the recipe if necessary. These are more natural and can provide different flavors.

4. Eggs

Original: Whole eggs are crucial for structure and moisture.

Substitutes:

• Flaxseed Meal: Use 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg. This works well for binding but won’t leaven as much.
• Aquafaba: 3 tablespoons of aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) can replace one egg. This is especially good for adding airiness to the cake.

5. Vanilla Extract

Original: Pure vanilla extract

Substitutes:

• Almond Extract: If you’re out of vanilla or want a different profile, use half as much almond extract because it’s stronger.
• Vanilla Bean Paste: Use equal amounts. This can be even better than extract, giving real vanilla specks.

6. Espresso Powder

Original: A small amount to enhance the chocolate flavor

Substitutes:

• Instant Coffee Powder: Use an equal amount of instant coffee powder to maintain the depth of flavor.
• Strong Brewed Coffee: Replace any small amount of liquid in the recipe with the same amount of strong brewed coffee.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the key to this Kourtney’s Flourless Chocolate is to focus on the quality of the ingredients and to treat them gently throughout the process. Each step contributes to the final texture and richness of the dessert.