Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225 g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp finely grated orange zest (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Prepare the cake pan: Grease it lightly and line the bottom with parchment paper.
  3. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until frothy and pale.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and melted chocolate mixture until combined.
  6. Gently fold in the flour and salt (and optional espresso powder or orange zest) until just combined.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the torte has a slight jiggle in the center.
  9. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a serving plate.
  10. Chill the torte in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before slicing.