Mary KellyPicture yourself dining at P.F. Chang’s, savoring the rich flavors of the menu. You’ve just polished off a plate of savory Mongolian beef, and now the highlight of the meal is on the horizon.
The flourless chocolate dome cake awaits, a dessert that rivals any indulgent creation. But what do you pair with this rich cake?
The cool, creamy texture complements the dense chocolate perfectly.
A sprinkle of tart strawberries or raspberries cuts through the sweetness and adds a splash of color.
A strong brew not only balances the dessert’s richness but also enhances the chocolate experience.
Chocolate lovers, rejoice! The P.F. Chang’s flourless chocolate dome cake transcends the ordinary world of desserts. As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve walked the path of various sweet treats.
This cake, however, is something special. It’s often the grand finale in a meal filled with bold flavors. Rich, satisfying, and truly indulgent, this dessert deserves a spotlight.
You might be wondering why this cake is a standout option at their restaurant. After all, countless chocolate recipes exist. Stay with me as we uncover what makes it so unique and how you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
What is P.F. Chang’s Flourless Chocolate Dome Cake?
At its core, P.F. Chang’s flourless chocolate dome cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. This is not just a cake; it’s an experience. It’s rich, velvety, and surprisingly simple despite its elegant presentation. The absence of flour means that the focus is purely on the chocolate, making it a gluten-free option that appeals to all dessert aficionados.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Rich Chocolate Flavor: The quality of chocolate is paramount. This recipe uses bittersweet chocolate, which delivers a deep, robust chocolate taste. The technique of melting chocolate with butter creates a smooth base that infuses the cake with flavor.
2. Gluten-Free Delight: Flourless cakes are naturally gluten-free. This opens the door to those with dietary restrictions, making it a universal favorite at gatherings.
3. Simple Ingredients: The beauty lies in the simplicity. With minimal ingredients—just butter, chocolate, sugar, eggs, and a few enhancing elements—each component serves a vital function in building flavor.
4. Versatile Presentation: From an elegant dinner party to a cozy family meal, this cake fits any occasion. Dress it up with a scoop of ice cream and berries, or serve it plain for a quaint evening at home—either approach will wow your guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Dish
To craft this indulgent dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 18 (1 ounce) squares of bittersweet chocolate
- 3/4 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
How To Make P.F. Chang’s Flourless Chocolate Dome Cake?
Making this cake may seem daunting, but I assure you, it’s much simpler than it appears. Let’s break it down step-by-step.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when the batter is ready, it can go directly into a hot oven, which is crucial for even baking.
Step 2: Prepare Your Pan
Grease a round 9-inch cake pan. Using parchment paper at the bottom adds an extra layer of non-stick assurance. You don’t want your masterpiece to stick when you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and bittersweet chocolate. Melt them over low heat while stirring gently. This creates a luscious chocolate mixture that forms the foundation of your cake.
Step 4: Mix Sugar and Water
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and water. Microwave this mixture until the sugar is dissolved. This process helps integrate the sugar effortlessly into the chocolate mixture, ensuring no graininess in your cake.
Step 5: Combine Mixtures
Once the chocolate and butter have melted, remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the sugar-water mixture. This should be done slowly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
Step 6: Incorporate Eggs
In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Slowly add the eggs to the chocolate mixture, whisking constantly. This will help to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add in the vanilla extract, espresso powder, and sea salt.
Step 7: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Give it a gentle tap to remove any air bubbles.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The center should be set but slightly wobbly; it will firm up upon cooling.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for that final touch.
Tips & Tricks
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Opt for high-quality bittersweet chocolate. This impacts overall flavor significantly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to rest after baking. It improves the texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust sugar based on your taste. You can cut back if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Chill for Texture: Chill the cake in the fridge for an even denser texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remember, a slight wobble is okay. Overbaking will make it dry.
Nutrition Information
This dish is high in calories due to its rich components, but here’s a rough estimate per serving (1/12 of the cake):
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 18g
- Protein: 6g
How Do You Store The Leftovers?
Leftover cake can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. If frozen, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil.
It can last about a month in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
What Sides Would Complement P.F. Chang’s Flourless Chocolate Dome Cake?
Pairing is key to creating a memorable experience. Here are some delightful accompaniments:
1. Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a luxurious contrast. The sweetness of the ice cream beautifully balances the chocolate’s richness.
2. Fresh Berries
Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add a vibrant touch. Their tartness cuts through the cake’s sweetness while enhancing its visual appeal.
3. Whipped Cream
Light, airy whipped cream can be dolloped on top, providing a pleasant lightness against the dense cake. You can even infuse it with a hint of vanilla or almond for an extra flavor pop.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients?
No butter? No problem! Here are some clever substitutes:
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil can replace unsalted butter in equal quantities. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs excellently with chocolate if you’re feeling adventurous.
2. Dark Chocolate
You can swap bittersweet chocolate for dark chocolate. Just make sure it’s at least 70% cocoa for an intense chocolate flavor.
3. Agave Syrup
In case you need a liquid sweetener, agave syrup can substitute granulated sugar. Use about 2/3 of a cup for every cup of sugar.
4. Egg Replacements
If you’re avoiding eggs, consider using flax eggs. Combine 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water for each egg, allowing it to sit until it thickens.
P.f Chang’s Flourless Chocolate Dome Cake Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that when the batter is ready, it can go directly into a hot oven, which is crucial for even baking.
- Grease a round 9-inch cake pan. Using parchment paper at the bottom adds an extra layer of non-stick assurance. You don’t want your masterpiece to stick when you’re ready to serve.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the butter and bittersweet chocolate. Melt them over low heat while stirring gently. This creates a luscious chocolate mixture that forms the foundation of your cake.
- In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and water. Microwave this mixture until the sugar is dissolved. This process helps integrate the sugar effortlessly into the chocolate mixture, ensuring no graininess in your cake.
- Once the chocolate and butter have melted, remove from heat. Gradually whisk in the sugar-water mixture. This should be done slowly to avoid cooking the eggs in the next step.
- In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and beat them lightly. Slowly add the eggs to the chocolate mixture, whisking constantly. This will help to avoid scrambling the eggs. Add in the vanilla extract, espresso powder, and sea salt.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Give it a gentle tap to remove any air bubbles.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. The center should be set but slightly wobbly; it will firm up upon cooling.
- Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a serving plate. Dust with cocoa powder or powdered sugar for that final touch.
Nutrition
Notes
- Quality Chocolate Matters: Opt for high-quality bittersweet chocolate. This impacts overall flavor significantly.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to rest after baking. It improves the texture and flavor.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust sugar based on your taste. You can cut back if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Chill for Texture: Chill the cake in the fridge for an even denser texture.
- Don’t Overbake: Remember, a slight wobble is okay. Overbaking will make it dry.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The P.F. Chang’s flourless chocolate dome cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s an indulgent experience that invokes a sense of celebration with every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this cake stands as a testament to the beauty of chocolate. It’s simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress.
Armed with these guidelines and tips, you’re ready to embark on your culinary journey. Gather those ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare for a rich chocolate experience that will garner compliments and requests for the recipe. Enjoy!
