This dense, squidgy chocolate and almond cake is perfect for dessert. It’s gluten-free – just ensure your cocoa powder and chocolate are, too
Prep:30 mins
200g dark cooking chocolate, chopped into small pieces200g butter, chopped into small pieces3 eggs175g golden caster sugar100g mascarpone or soft cheese¼ tsp vanilla extract100g ground almonds30g cocoa powder, plus extra to serve
STEP 1Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4 and line the base of a 20cm springform tin with baking parchment. Melt the chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of just-simmering water, or in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Stir, then leave to cool slightly.STEP 2Meanwhile, tip the eggs and sugar into a second bowl and beat with an electric whisk for 4-5 mins, or until thick and creamy. Add the mascarpone or soft cheese and vanilla, and continue to beat until everything is combined. Lightly fold in the cooled melted chocolate mixture until everything is one even colour, then fold in the almonds. Sift over the cocoa powder and a small pinch of salt, and fold in to combine.STEP 3Scrape the cake batter into the prepared tin. Put the tin on a baking tray and bake for 35-40 mins until the cake is puffed up and has cracked on top. Remove from the oven and leave to cool in the tin for 30-40 mins – it will deflate as it cools. Serve warm as a chocolate pudding, or leave to cool completely and enjoy as a fudgy brownie cake. Dust with extra cocoa powder before serving.
