Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake for Your Valentine

This is a great rich chocolaty recipe.  It looks pretty with the confectioners sugar sprinkled on top.  The recipe is formulated for 12 servings - I know that's a lot, but it freezes well.
Originally published as Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake in Light & Tasty February/March 2008, p54
Most recently published on www.tasteofhome.com 

Prep Time  25 minutes

Bake Time 30 Minutes + cooling

Serves 12

5 PPV per serving

Ingredients

• 4 eggs, separated
• 8 oz 53% cacao dark baking chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 1/3 cup plus 1/4 cup of sugar, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 container (2 1/2 oz) prune baby food
• 1 tsp dark baking cocoa or baking cocoa
• 1/2 tsp confectioners sugar

Directions

• Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, melt chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat; cool slightly. Coat a 9-in. springform pan with cooking spray. Place pan on a baking sheet; set aside.
• In a large bowl, beat egg yolks on high speed for 3 minutes or until light and fluffy. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and vanilla, beating until thick and lemon-colored. Beat in baby food and chocolate mixture.
• Beat egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually beat in remaining sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, on high until stiff glossy peaks form; fold into batter.
• Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with moist crumbs. Cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes. Carefully run a knife around edge of pan to loosen; remove sides of pan. Cool completely.
• Sprinkle with cocoa and confectioners’ sugar. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 12 servings

Happy Valentines Day