Preheat the oven to 325º F. Using the 1/2 tablespoon butter, grease a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom of the pan with a parchment round. Tightly cover the pan underneath and along the outer sides with foil and set in a roasting pan. Bring a medium saucepan of water to boil.

Combine the chocolate, butter, and Kahlua in a metal bowl set over simmering water or in the top of a double boiler. Melt the chocolate, stirring constantly, until smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes; reserve.

Meanwhile, combine the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and salt in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until frothy and almost doubled in volume, about 5 minutes. Fold one-third of the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture with a rubber spatula. Repeat this process two more times-until all of the egg mixture has been folded into the chocolate.

Pour the batter into the prepared springform pan and add enough boiling water to the roasting pan to come halfway up the side of the springform. Bake until the cake has risen slightly and the edges are just beginning to set, about 55 minutes. Remove the cake from the roasting pan and cool on a wire rack to room temperature. Remove the foil, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving. Remove the springform side, transfer the cake onto a large plate, and peel away the parchment paper from the bottom and garnish with confectioners' sugar or cocoa powder immediately before serving.

Chef's Note: for Passover use cocoa powder rather than powdered sugar or use Kosher powdered sugar and substitute brewed coffee for the Kahlua.