Karstan's Flour-less Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

10 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
10 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
7 large eggs, separated
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Generously butter the sides and bottom of a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and butter the parchment.

Using a double boiler or a microwave, melt the chocolate and set aside to cool.

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugar together on high speed until pale, light, and thoroughly combined, about 5 minutes.

With the mixer on low speed, add the egg yolks, beating well after each addition. After all the eggs yolks have been incorporated, scrape down the bowl and beat for 10more seconds. Add the cooled chocolate and mix until combined. Scrape down the bowl, add the vanilla and beat until just incorporated.

In a large bowl, whisk the egg whites and salt until soft peaks form. Scoop 1 cup of the egg white into the chocolate mixture. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. After 30 second of folding, add the remaining egg whites and gently fold in until almost completely combined.

Pour into the prepared pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the top of the cake seems set or firm to the touch. Be careful not to overbake.

Transfer to a rack and let cool. Use a small knife to loosen the cake from the sides of the pan. Remove the springform sides. Invert the cake on the rack, peel off parchment, and flip the cake back upright.