Description
Molten chocolate lava cakes promise pure indulgence, melting hearts with rich, gooey centers. Baked to perfection, these elegant desserts deliver a luxurious experience that satisfies deep chocolate cravings and impresses guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Flour and Coating:
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder, for dusting ramekins
Preparation Ingredient:
- Unsalted butter, extra for greasing ramekins
Instructions
- Meticulously prepare baking vessels by coating four ramekins with softened butter, then generously sprinkle cocoa powder to create a non-stick surface. Gently tap out any loose powder.
- Create a velvety chocolate base by melting dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler technique. Stir gently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, uniform consistency. Allow the melted mixture to cool slightly and avoid overheating.
- Whip eggs, additional egg yolks, and granulated sugar into a light, airy mixture. Continue whisking until the texture becomes pale and significantly thickened, which typically requires 1-2 minutes of vigorous mixing.
- Delicately fold the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, ensuring a smooth integration without deflating the delicate egg foam. Sift flour over the liquid ingredients, gently incorporating until barely combined to maintain a luxurious, tender texture.
- Distribute the silky batter evenly among prepared ramekins, filling each approximately three-quarters full. Arrange the filled vessels on a sturdy baking sheet for stable oven transfer.
- Position the baking sheet in a preheated oven set at 425F (220C). Bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for distinct visual cues: set edges with centers remaining soft and slightly trembling.
- After removing from the oven, allow cakes to rest momentarily. Carefully loosen edges using a thin knife, then invert onto serving plates with a swift, confident motion.
- Present immediately, embellishing with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar. Optional accompaniments include fresh berries, whipped cream, or a pristine scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich chocolate experience.
Notes
- Ensure ramekins are well-greased to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cake removal.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Avoid overmixing the batter to maintain a delicate, smooth texture and prevent dense cakes.
- Check doneness carefully; slightly underbaked centers create the signature molten chocolate core.
- Serve immediately after baking to experience the ultimate warm, gooey chocolate center.
- Experiment with gluten-free flour or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate’s depth without altering the primary flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute half the butter with Greek yogurt to reduce overall fat content.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 160mg