Chocolate-Ancho Chili Flourless Cake
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2003
2 sticks unsalted butter, plus extra for pan
8 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted, plus more for dusting
3 tablespoons ancho chili powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 large eggs, separated
1 cup sugar
1 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
Pinch ground cinnamon
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Lightly butter the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Line
the bottom with parchment paper and butter the paper. Set aside.
In the top of a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter over
medium-low heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the cocoa, chili
powder, and salt.
In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks with 1/2 cup of the sugar
until thick and pale yellow in color. Fold the chocolate mixture
into the yolks and mix well.
In another bowl, whisk the egg whites until thick. Whisking, add the
remaining 1/2 cup sugar gradually and continue to beat to form a
light meringue. In several additions, fold into the chocolate
mixture, being careful not to deflate the meringue. Gently pour into
the prepared pan and bake until the edges are set but the center is
still moist and a few crumbs stick to a tester, about 45 minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
Run a thin, sharp knife around the edge of the cake. Remove the pan
sides and gently lift away the cake. Invert onto a cake plate,
remove the bottom and peel away the parchment.
In a bowl, beat the cream with an electric mixer until frothy. Add
the confectioners' sugar and cinnamon and continue to beat until the
cream holds soft peaks.
To serve, slice the cake with a portion of the sweetened whipped
cream. Garnish with cocoa powder and serve.