Torta Tenerina (Fudgy Italian Chocolate Cake)

Ingredients

• 7 ounces dark chocolate (broken into pieces)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter ((equivalent to 1 stick, 8 tablespoons or 4 ounces) chopped into cubes)
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (either Dutch process or natural)
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee (optional - to intensify the chocolate flavor)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs (separated)
• 3/4 cup sugar ((equivalent to 6 ounces))
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour ((equivalent to 1 ounce))

Instructions

1. 1

   Line a springform pan and preheat the oven to 350°F/175°C.: Line a 9 inch springform pan with baking paper. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F/175°C (in a fan oven, or 375°F/190°C in a conventional oven).

2. 2

   Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave.: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a large glass mixing bowl in the microwave in 30-second bursts (I find 3 bursts about right, then stir to fully melt). Alternatively, you can do this by placing the bowl over a pan of boiling water (make sure the bowl doesn't touch the water).

3. 3

   Stir in cocoa and salt.: Stir in the cocoa, instant coffee (if using) and salt, then set the mixture aside to cool while you proceed with the recipe.

4. 4

   Whisk sugar with egg whites for about 5 minutes.: Meanwhile, in another large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites with the sugar with a handheld electric whisk until firm peaks form, like meringue (about 5 minutes). Set aside.

5. 5

   whisk the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture for 2 to 3 minutes.: Now add the egg yolks and vanilla to the chocolate and butter mixture. Whisk with a handheld whisk for 2 to 3 minutes. Then fold in the flour until 'just' combined.

6. 6

   Fold egg whites into chocolate mixture.: Carefully fold the whisked egg whites into the chocolate mixture with a big spatula or wooden spoon, until it's 'just' mixed in. It will look a bit like chocolate mousse.

7. 7

   Pour mixture into pan and bake for 25 minutes.: Now pour the mixture into the lined springform pan. Bake for 25 minutes, or until the top is set and looks like chocolate meringue.

8. 8

   Let cool in the pan, then serve with ice cream, cream or mascarpone.: Let the cake cool in the pan to room temperature. Then serve slices with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or even mascarpone cheese on top.