Indulge in the rich, decadent flavors of Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake, a luxurious treat that perfectly balances deep chocolate with a bright citrus twist. This elegant dessert, featured in my book BUTTER, FLOUR, SUGAR, JOY, is naturally gluten-free and irresistibly smooth, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The addition of Grand Marnier and orange extract enhances the dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated flavor profile that’s perfect for special occasions—or simply when you crave something extraordinary. Finished with a luscious dark chocolate orange ganache, this cake is pure bliss in every bite.

How to Make Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9-inch cake pan or pie dish by generously buttering it and dusting it with cocoa powder. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt 1 ½ cups of dark or bittersweet chocolate with ½ cup of salted butter, turning off the heat just before fully melted to let the residual warmth finish the process. Stir in 1 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of pure orange extract, a pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of Grand Marnier or any orange liqueur. In a separate bowl, beat 4 eggs, then add them to the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. Gently fold in ⅓ cup of cocoa powder until smooth. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the center is just set. Remove from the oven, allow it to cool slightly, and then refrigerate for at least an hour before adding the ganache.

To make the ganache, heat ½ cup of dark chocolate and ⅓ cup of heavy cream in a small saucepan over low heat, turning off the heat just before the chocolate is fully melted. Stir in ½ teaspoon of orange extract and ½ teaspoon of Grand Marnier, mixing until smooth. Let the ganache cool slightly, then pour it over the chilled cake, spreading it evenly. For an extra touch, serve with fresh orange or mandarin slices.

 

The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake

This rich, fudgy Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake is a showstopper on its own, but the right pairings can take it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself, here are some perfect complements to enhance its deep chocolate flavor and citrusy brightness.

Beverage Pairings

A well-paired drink can elevate the tasting experience and balance the richness of the cake. Try these:

  • Espresso or Dark Roast Coffee – The bold bitterness of coffee contrasts beautifully with the cake’s deep chocolate flavors.
  • Hot Chocolate with a Citrus Twist – A warm, velvety hot chocolate with a hint of orange zest or cinnamon enhances the indulgence.
  • Dessert Wines – A glass of Ruby Port or Moscato d’Asti brings out the fruity, orange notes in the cake.
  • Orange-Infused Cocktails – A Grand Marnier Old Fashioned or an Aperol Spritz complements the citrusy depth of the dessert.

Toppings & Garnishes

A few thoughtful finishing touches can make this cake even more irresistible:

  • Fresh Orange Zest – A sprinkle of zest adds a bright, fragrant pop.
  • Candied Orange Slices – Adds a chewy, caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with the ganache.
  • Lightly Sweetened Whipped Cream – The airy texture balances the cake’s density.
  • A Pinch of Flaky Sea Salt – Enhances the richness of the chocolate and deepens the flavors.

Side Pairings

If you want to turn this dessert into a full-on experience, serve it with:

  • Vanilla Bean or Dark Chocolate Gelato – A creamy, cold contrast to the dense, fudgy cake.
  • Mascarpone or Crème Fraîche – A dollop of either adds a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness.
  • Almond Biscotti or Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnuts – A crunchy element to complement the cake’s silky texture.

With the right pairings, this Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake becomes more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. Whether you’re sipping espresso, savoring a citrusy cocktail, or indulging with a scoop of gelato, every bite will be pure decadence.

Cover of the book BUTTER, FLOUR, SUGAR, JOY by Danielle Kartes.

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Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake on a plate near orange slices and bottle of liqueur.

Chocolate Orange Flourless Cake

Rich, decadent, and infused with the vibrant essence of orange, this flourless chocolate cake is pure indulgence. With its velvety smooth texture and deep, bittersweet chocolate flavor, each bite melts on your tongue, balanced by the bright, citrusy notes of orange extract and Grand Marnier. The simplicity of this cake allows the rich flavors to shine, while the luscious dark chocolate orange ganache adds an extra layer of indulgence. Whether served as a luxurious dessert for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this cake is a celebration of all things rich, fudgy, and citrus-kissed.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 9-inch cake

Equipment

  • 9-inch cake pan or pie plate
  • medium saucepan
  • Whisk or mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Mixing bowl
  • Cooling rack

Ingredients
  

Cake

  • 1 ½ cups dark or bittersweet chocolate or chocolate chips
  • ½ cup salted butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pure orange extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon Grand Marnier or any orange liqueur
  • 4 eggs
  • cup cocoa powder

Dark Chocolate Orange Ganache

  • ½ cup dark chocolate
  • cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon orange extract
  • ½ teaspoon Grand Marnier or any orange liqueur

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over medium-low heat. Turn off the heat before the chocolate is completely melted; the residual heat will finish the melting process.
  • Stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, orange extract, salt, and liqueur.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add them to the batter, mixing thoroughly.
  • Gently fold in the cocoa powder until fully incorporated.
  • Generously butter and dust your cake pan or pie plate with cocoa powder.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes.
  • Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then refrigerate for an hour before adding the ganache.
  • Ganache Instructions
  • In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and heavy cream over low heat. Turn off the heat before the chocolate is fully melted.
  • Stir in the orange extract and liqueur, mixing until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  • Pour the ganache over the chilled cake.
  • Optional: Serve chilled with fresh orange or mandarin slices.
Keyword Best flourless chocolate cake, Chocolate orange ganache cake, danielle kartes, Decadent chocolate orange cake, Easy flourless cake recipe, Flourless chocolate cake recipe, Fudgy chocolate cake with ganache, Gluten-free chocolate dessert, Grand Marnier chocolate dessert, Orange-infused chocolate cake, Rich dark chocolate cake, rustic joyful food

SOURCES:

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2 Comments

  1. Wow! Presentable and I bet it tastes well too, thanks for the clear instructions!