6-ingredient Gooey Swedish Chocolate Cake (Kladdkaka)
Quite possibly the quickest, easiest, gooey-est (and so best) chocolate cake you'll ever make. This has only 6 ingredients and takes only 30 minutes to make and bake from start to finish. A cake that is so perfect for serving to guests... or just scoffing at home in front on the TV!
Pre-heat the oven to 180C/350F. Line the bottom of a 7-9 inch (see note below) springform cake pan with a circle of baking paper, then grease the paper and the sides of the pan.
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan, then take off the heat and set aside.
Add the cocoa, sugar, flour and vanilla to the butter and stir a little. Then add the eggs and stir everything together until well combined.
Pour the mixture into the cake pan and bake for 20 to 25 minutes (see note below) until the top is set but the centre is still gooey (the top should be firm but crack under a little pressure from your finger).
Let the cake cool in the pan, then run a knife between the pan and the cake to loosen it. Turn out onto a plate or cake stand (see note below). Dust generously with cocoa powder and serve warm with ice cream or cream.
I usually use a 9 inch spring form cake pan for this cake, because that's what I have, and it comes out as you see in the photos.The original recipe that I adapted this from, however, states to use a 7 inch pan. I'd say that anywhere from 7 to 9 inches will work well. You might need to make the recipe a couple of times to get the baking time just right (yes, it's one of those recipes, but once you've nailed it, you've nailed it). See below for more hints on getting your cake just right!
Getting your cake just right
Although this is a super quick, easy and delicious cake, it can 'sometimes' (not always) take a bit of perfecting. If your cake still isn't cooked on top after 20 minutes, keep checking it every couple of minutes until it is. I usually find 20 minutes is about right, but of course it depends on your oven/the exact size of your cake pan etc.One reader reported that the cake took 30 minutes in her oven. So the first time you make this might be a bit of an experiment to see how long you need to cook it in your oven!You want to avoid overcooking the cake though, because then it won't be as deliciously gooey.
After your cake is cooked...
You'll find that your cake is quite delicate just after cooking. Let it cool in the pan, then turn it out onto a plate or cake stand.I usually hold a plate on the top, then invert it quickly. Your cake will then be on a plate, but it will be upside down. To turn it back the right way, I put another plate on the bottom of the cake and turn it back the right way.
Can you make this chocolate cake gluten free?
Yes! I officially tested this recipe using just almond flour in February 2020. It works just as well as it does with ordinary flour.In fact if anything it's slightly more delicious (if that's possible) because you can very slightly taste the almonds. I haven't tried the recipe with gluten free plain flour, but I'm pretty sure you'd have no problem doing a straight swap. The recipe doesn't contain a lot of flour, so flour substitutions tend to work well. Good luck!Serving suggestion: I like to serve this cake warm with ice cream on top. It's also delicious with fresh raspberries! Or elevate the dessert even more with this 5-minute raspberry puree - you won't believe how easy it is to make.Love gooey chocolate cakes? Try these gooey strawberry brownies as well.Also love layer cakes? Try this easy chocolate orange cake with 3-ingredient ganache.