Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
This rich, moist cake balances bittersweet chocolate, fruity olive oil, and just the right amount of heat.
Ingredients
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Baking spray with flour
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7 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (about 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons)
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5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons almond flour
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
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Flaky sea salt
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Whipped cream, for serving
Direction
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Preheat oven to 375°F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with baking spray; line bottom of pan with parchment paper. Fill a medium saucepan with water to a depth of 1 inch; bring to a boil over medium-high, and reduce heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Place chocolate and oil in a medium-size heatproof bowl; set bowl over the pan of simmering water, making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until chocolate is melted and mixture is smooth, 6 to 7 minutes. Set aside until cool to the touch, about 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, beat egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until thickened and pale, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in almond flour and cayenne pepper, if using; mix until combined. Fold melted chocolate mixture into egg yolk mixture in bowl until well combined.
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Beat egg whites and fine sea salt in a separate medium bowl with an electric mixer on high speed until medium peaks form, 1 to 2 minutes. Working in 2 batches, fold whipped egg whites into chocolate mixture until no streaks remain, being careful not to deflate egg whites. Pour batter into prepared cake pan, and smooth using a spatula.
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Bake until cake is mostly set with a slightly jiggly center, 12 to 13 minutes. Let cake cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes; transfer to refrigerator to chill completely, 1 to 2 hours. Sprinkle flaky sea salt over top; serve with a dollop of whipped cream.
