Flourless Chocolate Cake with Almonds

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp trans-free margarine or unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 blanched almonds
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 3 oz. bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream
• 1/4 cup granular sugar substitute
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
• 5 egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp toasted slivered almonds (optional)

Makes 12 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.
2. Gently coat  9" springform pan with 2 tsp of the margarine or butter and dust with the cocoa powder. (Don't tap out the excess cocoa; leave it in the pan.)
3. In a food processor, combine the blanched almonds with 2 tablespoons of the sugar. Process until finely ground.
4. In the top of a double broiler over barely simmering water, melt the chocolate and the remaining 4 teaspoons of butter, stirring occasionally, until smooth. Remove from the heat. Place chocolate mixture in a large bowl. Add the almond mixture, sour cream, sugar substitute, egg yolks, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and 1/4 cup of the remaining sugar. Stir until well blended.
5. In a large bowl, with an electric mixer on high speed, beat the egg whites and salt until frothy. Gradually add the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
6. Stir one-quarter of the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture to lighten it. Gently fold in the remaining whites until no white streaks remain. Place in the prepared pan. Gently smooth the top.
7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until cake has risen, the top is dry, and a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
8. Place the pan on a rack and cool until warm. The cake will fall dramatically. Loosen the edges of the cake with a knife and remove the pan sides. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds, if using.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. The holiday season is approaching and you're looking for a devilishly delicious chocolate cake recipe, this one is worth trying. It's a flourless version and will be enjoyed by everyone, including people who eat a gluten-free diet. Don't worry  if the cake looks somewhat flat after baking. It is so delicious with the combination of almonds, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate that give this cake a rich and decadent taste in every bite.