Chocolate Indulgence

If fudge and brownies had a love child it would be Krysti Henderson’s flourless chocolate torte, which she aptly named Chocolate Heaven. Moist, rich, and oh so chocolatey, the cake is made and sold by her family’s company, Chocolate Heaven & Co. in Highlands. It is incredibly decadent and also happens to be gluten-free—a surprising treat for health-conscious eaters. Creating this chocolate torte was a happy accident for Henderson. Sixteen years ago she tried a cake recipe by cookbook author Alice Medrich. Henderson was entranced by its flavor, but questioned the complexity of the recipe. Did it really need a tablespoon of flour? Henderson ditched that and found the cake just as delicious.

Flourless Chocolate Torte
Courtesy of Chocolate Heaven & Co.
(Yields one cake)

12-oz. semisweet chocolate
2 sticks unsalted butter
6 eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 Tbsp. espresso, brewed

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line nine-inch springform pan with foil. Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, vanilla and espresso; mix until well blended and pour into chocolate mixture. Whip egg whites with an electric mixer until light and foamy and gently fold in to chocolate mixture. Pour into springform pan. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until center is set and does not wobble. Let cool completely. Using the corners of the foil, lift cake out of pan, invert onto hand, peel away foil, and place on serving plate.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line nine-inch springform pan with foil. Melt chocolate and butter in double boiler until smooth. In a medium bowl, combine egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, and espresso; mix until well blended and pour into chocolate mixture. Whip egg whites with an electric mixer until light and foamy, and gently fold into chocolate mixture. Pour into springform pan. Bake for approximately 45 minutes or until center is set and does not wobble. Let cool completely. Using the corners of the foil, lift cake out of pan, invert onto hand, peel away foil, and place on serving plate. Garnish with whipped cream and fresh berries.

Chocolate Heaven & Co.
Chocolate Heaven offers flourless chocolate tortes, banana breads, and coffee cakes, which are available locally in select grocery stores and can be ordered online.
(828) 421-2042
www.lovechocolateheaven.com