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5 Best Flourless Chocolate Cakes

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Search the dessert menus of local restaurants, and you won’t commonly find that most luxurious of chocolate cakes: those without flour. But for the ambitious few, mastering the art of this rich, dark dessert is an art. While flourless chocolate cakes are more likely to be found on the menus of fine Italian restaurants, my husband, GO Magazine editor Matt Lemmon, and I found at least two of our favorites in unexpected places. And while women tend to be the experts on chocolate (in any form), Matt provided his own input on what made these five the best.

Chocolate-Hazelnut Torte (Gianduja)

photo Edward Biamonte Nonna's chocolate-hazelnut torte

$5.50 at Nonna’s Italian Café
306 South Ave., Springfield, 417-831-1222

Claiming to be “almost-flourless,” this version of the Italian classic cheats a little, but we don’t mind. It reminds us of a gourmet brownie with just a hint of hazelnut. In fact, Gianduja is a sweet chocolate containing about 50 percent hazelnut, and it gets its name from the Italian region where hazelnut chocolate is common. This one is drier and less rich than many flourless cakes, but that’s why it is one of our favorites. Another added touch: no standard vanilla ice cream side here. We were given the option of chocolate, vanilla or chocolate chip. We suggest pairing it with the chocolate chip for a truly unexpected treat. Served in a large bowl sprinkled with powdered chocolate, this was the perfect size for two.
He said: “It looks like a meteor of chocolate hit the bowl. I don’t usually like nuts, but this is really good.”

Flourless Chocolate Cake

$6.50 at Tony Z’s Italian Ristorante and Lounge
300 Terrance Rd., Branson, 417-332-0610
If you love chocolate, get ready to make your stomach ache, because you won’t be able to stop eating this once you start. This large portion was enough for four (although the two of us almost finished it). Covered (and we mean COVERED) with real whipped cream, this flourless chocolate cake was served very warm in a casserole dish. It was by far the richest of the cakes on our list. With the consistency of pudding and the richness of true dark chocolate, Tony Z’s knows how to make you fall in love with a bowl of food. We suggest pairing this one with a glass of your favorite red wine and making a night of it.
He said: “If Betty Crocker were awesome and moved to Branson, this is what she would make.”