Description
This decadent Chocolate Lava Cake recipe yields rich, molten-centered individual cakes perfect for a luxurious dessert. The cakes feature a tender chocolate exterior with a gooey, molten center, paired beautifully with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries for an elegant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Lava Cake
- 6 tbsp (84g) unsalted butter, sliced
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (104g) sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp (12g) all purpose flour
For Serving
- Powdered sugar, for serving
- Strawberries or raspberries, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare ramekins: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease and flour six 6 oz ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the butter and semi-sweet chocolate together. Whisk until smooth and combined, then set aside to cool slightly.
- Beat eggs and sugar mixture: In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk attachment to beat the 2 eggs, 3 egg yolks, vanilla extract, salt, and sugar at high speed. Continue until the mixture triples in volume, is pale in color, and falls in a thick, smooth stream from the whisk, about 5 minutes.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the egg mixture into the melted chocolate and butter blend. Sprinkle the flour on top and carefully fold everything together until just combined, being careful not to deflate the batter.
- Fill ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
- Bake: Bake the cakes for 7 to 10 minutes until the edges are set and puffed, the top has a thin crust, and the center jiggles slightly when shaken gently. Baking time may vary depending on oven performance.
- Cool and invert: Allow the cakes to cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate and lift off to reveal the molten lava cake.
- Serve: Dust the cakes generously with powdered sugar, and serve immediately with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a fruity contrast.
Notes
- Do not overbake to ensure the molten center remains gooey.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- You can prepare batter ahead of time and refrigerate, adding an extra minute or two to baking time if baked from cold.
- Ensure ramekins are well greased and floured to release cakes easily.
- Serve immediately as the molten center sets quickly upon cooling.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 to 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate Lava Cake, Molten Chocolate Cake, Individual Chocolate Cake, Decadent Dessert, Easy Chocolate Dessert
