Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes (Print Version)
Indulgent chocolate treats with a molten center, ideal for elegant dessert moments.
# Recipe Ingredients:
→ Chocolate & Dairy
01 - 4 oz high-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
02 - ½ cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
→ Dry Ingredients
03 - ½ cup granulated sugar
04 - ¼ cup all-purpose flour
05 - Pinch of salt
→ Eggs
06 - 2 large eggs
07 - 2 large egg yolks
→ Optional Garnishes
08 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
09 - Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream, to serve
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Generously butter four 6 oz ramekins and lightly dust them with flour or cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
02 - In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until pale and thick, about 1 to 2 minutes.
04 - Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.
05 - Sift in the flour and salt, folding just until combined without overmixing.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
07 - Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft and jiggly.
08 - Remove from oven and cool for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges, then carefully invert onto serving plates.
09 - Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries or vanilla ice cream if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This recipe hides a decadent molten center that feels like your own little secret treasure.
- It magically comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for impressing last-minute guests without stress.
02 -
- Resist the urge to overbake—those centers are meant to be luscious and gooey, not dry.
- Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder amps up flavor in a way you wouldn’t expect but won’t want to live without.
03 -
- Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter and better rise.
- Let the batter rest for a few minutes before baking to allow flavors to meld and texture to settle.