Description
This decadent Chocolate Lava Cake recipe delivers a rich, molten center encased in a delicate, tender cake. Perfect for a special dessert, it combines dark chocolate, butter, and eggs to create a luscious treat that bakes quickly and serves elegantly with powdered sugar and optional fresh berries.
Ingredients
Chocolate Lava Cake
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 4 oz dark or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- A pinch of salt
Garnish
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Berries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease four ramekins thoroughly with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and add a subtle chocolate flavor to the edges.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter and chopped chocolate together. Heat in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy, ensuring no chocolate pieces remain.
- Mix the Eggs & Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes slightly frothy, which will help create a light texture in the cake.
- Combine Ingredients: Slowly stir the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the frothy egg mixture until well incorporated. Then gently fold in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined to maintain the batter’s airy consistency.
- Bake: Evenly divide the cake batter among the prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly, which ensures the molten lava center.
- Serve Immediately: After baking, allow the cakes to sit for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each ramekin to loosen the cake. Then invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. Dust the tops with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or serve alongside ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake the cakes to retain the signature molten center.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Greasing and dusting the ramekins well helps in easy unmolding of the cakes.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best lava effect.
- Optional: Add a splash of vanilla extract to the batter for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
