Ingredients
- 1 cup espresso
- 1 packed cup dark brown sugar
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- 3 sticks (12 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed
- 12 ounces semisweet chocolate
- 4 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 8 large eggs, beaten
- Cinnamon ice cream and raspberries, for serving
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Prepare a 9-inch spring form pan: Cut a circle of parchment the size of the removable bottom of the pan. Fit the parchment circle into the bottom of the pan. Tear off an 18-inch length of aluminum foil. Center the pan over the sheet of foil and crumple and crimp the foil all around the sides of the pan. (The foil will prevent water from seeping into the pan during baking.) Set the pan aside.
In a medium saucepan, bring the espresso, brown sugar and the cinnamon sticks to a simmer over very low heat. Simmer until the syrup is very fragrant, about 20 minutes. Stir in the butter until melted, and then stir in the cayenne pepper. Set aside.
Pulse the chocolate in the food processor until coarsely chopped. Transfer to a deep bowl. Pour in the warm coffee syrup and whisk until the chocolate is completely melted. Whisk in the beaten eggs until completely blended.
Scrape the batter into the prepared pan. Set the pan in a large, deep, oven-proof skillet or a roasting pan and set on the oven rack. Pour in enough water to come halfway up the sides of the pan. Bake until center is set and barely wiggles when you shake the pan gently, 50 to 60 minutes.
Cool the cake to room temperature. Remove the foil and chill the cake in the pan at least 8 hours. Run a wet knife around the sides of the pan then pop the spring to release. Place a platter on top of the cake and flip over. Remove the bottom of the pan, and peel off the parchment. Serve with cinnamon ice cream and raspberries.
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By marissa10
on April 07, 2012
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One word: DELICIOUS! Chocolate and chilli is my favourite combo, and this cake is a total winner in my book. I was kinda afraid that the chilli wouldn't come through in the cake but am glad to say that it was just the right amount. It definitely gave the cake a kick and a certain depth to an otherwise run-of-the-mill flourless chocolate cake. This recipe is fantastic! Two thumbs up!!
By torba97_12904148
Fremont, CA
on July 04, 2011
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FYI...you decide. This recipe makes a cake that is distinctive. The addition of the cayenne pepper (my opinion adds a special flavor BUT also an unusual and enjoyable texture on the back of the tongue. Wonderful recipe. Annie , Fremont , CA
By Chef Dee214
Seaford, NY
on November 28, 2010
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Okay, I made the mistake in making this when I had a lack of sleep and couldn't figure out why the coffee syrup wasn't turning to syrup (as I waited for well over an hour - just to now notice that I wasn't supposed to use espresso "grinds" - just the brewed espresso. Well, the funny thing is that it did still turn out good except for the overwhelming coffee flavor. My sister really liked it. I said it would have been good for all chocolate covered espresso bean lovers (the way I made it. Nonetheless, I'm dying to try this again - knowing it'll turn out fantastic "the right way". I guess I'm no baker.
Read all 19 reviews