Flourless Chocolate Cake with Candied Pumpkin Seeds & Whipped Cream

Step 1

1 Prepare the batter Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Working in 30 second increments, microwave on high, stirring in between, or until melted and combined. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, eggs, baking powder, 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted chocolate mixture; whisk until smooth.

Step 2

2 Bake the cake Transfer the batter to the baking dish; spread into an even layer. Bake 16 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven; let cool at least 15 minutes.

Step 3

3 Make the candied pumpkin seeds Meanwhile, line a plate with parchment paper (or lightly grease the plate). Heat a small pan (nonstick, if you have one) on medium until hot. Add the pepitas. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned (be careful, as they may pop). Add the brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes, or until dissolved and the pepitas are coated. Carefully add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the water has cooked off. Immediately transfer to the plate and spread into an even layer; season with salt. Let cool about 10 minutes.

Step 4

4 Make the whipped cream & serve your dish Just before serving, in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cream and 2 tablespoons of the remaining powdered sugar (you will have extra). Seal the jar; vigorously shake until thickened and fluffy (open the jar after each minute of shaking to check the consistency). Serve the baked cake topped with the candied pumpkin seeds and whipped cream. Enjoy!

Step 5

1 Prepare the batter Place an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish. In a large bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Working in 30 second increments, microwave on high, stirring in between, or until melted and combined. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, eggs, baking powder, 1/2 cup of the powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the melted chocolate mixture; whisk until smooth.

Step 6

2 Bake the cake Transfer the batter to the baking dish; spread into an even layer. Bake 16 to 19 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven; let cool at least 15 minutes.

Step 7

3 Make the candied pumpkin seeds Meanwhile, line a plate with parchment paper (or lightly grease the plate). Heat a small pan (nonstick, if you have one) on medium until hot. Add the pepitas. Cook, stirring frequently, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned (be careful, as they may pop). Add the brown sugar. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 to 3 minutes, or until dissolved and the pepitas are coated. Carefully add 2 tablespoons of water. Cook, stirring constantly, 1 to 2 minutes, or until the water has cooked off. Immediately transfer to the plate and spread into an even layer; season with salt. Let cool about 10 minutes.

Step 8

4 Make the whipped cream & serve your dish Just before serving, in a jar or container with a tight-fitting lid, combine the cream and 2 tablespoons of the remaining powdered sugar (you will have extra). Seal the jar; vigorously shake until thickened and fluffy (open the jar after each minute of shaking to check the consistency). Serve the baked cake topped with the candied pumpkin seeds and whipped cream. Enjoy!