A decadent, gluten-free, mini flourless chocolate cake that's made with both chocolate and cocoa. Super rich, very easy to make, and the perfect size for one or two people.
Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly butter a 5x7-inch baking dish, a 5x5-inch baking dish, or a 4x6-inch baking dish, and set the dish aside.
Combine chocolate chips, butter, and oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water and heat, stirring often, until the chocolate has melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the bowl from the saucepan and set it aside to cool.Pro Tip: Melting chocolate using a double boiler, which is a bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, is highly effective. This method lets you monitor the melting process, preventing burning. The steam gently melts the chocolate, and the addition of oil and butter ensures it melts smoothly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Gradually whisk into the cooled melted chocolate. Set the bowl aside.
In another small bowl, beat the egg white and sugar together until stiff peaks form.Pro Tip: Stiff peaks occur when you lift your beater and observe a peak that stands upright in the bowl without collapsing.
Fold the whipped egg white into the chocolate mixture.
Pour the batter into the buttered baking dish and sprinkle the top with ¼ teaspoon of sugar. Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake the cake for 25 to 30 minutes.Pro Tip: While baking, the cake will rise, but due to the lack of gluten, it lacks the structure to maintain that rise after being removed from the oven. As it cools, the air bubbles inside contract, causing the cake to sink back down. It's normal for the top to crack slightly, as you can see in the recipe's accompanying photographs.
Transfer the baking dish to a wire rack to cool completely.
Choose the Right Baking Dish: Success hinges on using the correct baking dish. Recommended sizes are a 5x7-inch dish, a 4x6-inch dish, or a 5x5-inch dish.
Use a Rimmed Baking Sheet: Since the cake rises significantly, placing the baking dish on a baking sheet helps catch any spills.
Avoid Overbaking: Typically, it bakes in 25-30 minutes. It's ready when the top has a matte crust and the center is just set. A toothpick test (clean removal indicates doneness) can also be used.
Enhance Your Topping: Beyond a simple powdered sugar dusting, try adding a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg to the sugar for extra flavor.