How to Make Japanese Style Gâteau au Chocolat (Ken’s Café Copycat Recipe)

Gâteau au Chocolat might sound fancy, but it’s surprisingly simple to make, especially this version inspired by the legendary Ken’s Café Tokyo. This small shop in Japan became world-famous for its ultra-luxurious chocolate cake. People line up for it, food critics rave about it, and once you take a bite, you’ll see exactly why.

While traditional gâteau au chocolat (the French-style version) is often dense and brownie-like, the Japanese take, particularly Ken’s Café’s, is something else entirely. Imagine a slice of chilled ganache: rich, smooth, and deeply chocolatey, with a melt-in-your-mouth center that’s just the right amount of gooey. There’s no fluff, no crumbs, just pure intensity and velvety texture in every bite.

So, how do you achieve that luxurious, truffle-like center? The secret lies in the bake. You’ll want to cook it low and slow, around 160°C (320°F), until the edges are set but the center still has a soft wobble. That little jiggle means it’ll set into the perfect consistency once chilled. And yes, chilling is crucial. Letting it rest in the fridge, preferably overnight, transforms the cake from good to unforgettable.

For that delicate, crackly top (a nod to classic brownies), let the batter sit for 10 minutes before baking. This simple step allows the surface to settle and form a paper-thin, shiny layer that contrasts beautifully with the fudgy center. And don’t skimp on ingredients: use good-quality chocolate (at least 60–70% cacao), real butter, and a touch of salt to deepen the flavor.

This cake is ideal for special occasions or no occasion at all. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party, indulgent enough for a romantic night in, and easy enough to whip up on a lazy weekend. It serves 6 to 8, but smaller slices go a long way thanks to its richness. Bonus: it stores well in the fridge for several days and improves in texture and flavor after a night of chilling.

Serve it cold for a firm, truffle-like texture or warm it slightly for a molten, lava-like effect. Either way, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. And if you’re feeling extra, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of espresso can elevate it even further.

Ready to give them a try? Grab your favorite dark chocolate and start baking! Once you taste this Gâteau au Chocolat, you may never settle for ordinary chocolate cake again.

If you love rich chocolate desserts, you might also enjoy exploring other Japanese-style chocolate treats:

• For something lighter yet equally satisfying, try this fluffy sponge cake.
• If you're craving something chewy, don’t miss these fudgy, chewy mohi brownies that blend the richness of brownies with the delightful chew of mochi.
• Or, if you're in the mood for a fluffy yet airy cocoa dessert, give the chiffon cake a try!