chocolate torteWhoa, is it really Valentine's Day already? If you're one of the many, many people out there who woke up in a panic because today, this very day, is February 14 (even though you could've sworn it was next week or even the week after), well, this Foolproof Flourless Chocolate Torte just might save your holiday. Seriously. Not only does this amazing cake have Valentine's Day written all over it (in the form of chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate), it's super easy to make -- even though it looks super fancy. Tada! Valentine's Day dessert = done.

Foolproof Flourless Chocolate Torte

Ingredients

Unsweetened cocoa

2 (8-ounce) packages semisweet chocolate squares, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup butter

5 large eggs, separated

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1/4 cup sugar

Directions

Grease a 9-inch springform pan, and dust with unsweetened cocoa; set aside.

Melt chopped chocolate and butter in a heavy saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth.

Whisk together egg yolks and vanilla in a large bowl. Gradually stir in chocolate mixture; whisk until well blended.

Beat egg whites at high speed with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until sugar dissolves and stiff peaks form. Fold one-third beaten egg white mixture into chocolate mixture; gently fold in remaining egg white mixture just until blended. Spoon batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake at 375° for 25 minutes. (Do not overbake.) Let stand in pan on a wire rack 10 minutes before removing sides of pan.