Chocolate Lava Cakes (Molten Center Dessert) Recipe
Introduction
Chocolate lava cakes are the perfect indulgent dessert with a rich, molten chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into them. This quick and easy recipe yields four decadent individual cakes that will impress any chocolate lover.
Ingredients
- 200 g dark chocolate
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool slightly to prevent scrambling the eggs.
- Step 2: In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract vigorously until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Carefully fold the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the beaten eggs, mixing gently to combine without deflating the batter.
- Step 4: Sift in the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the batter just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 5: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pour the batter evenly into greased or lined ramekins.
- Step 6: Bake for 9–11 minutes until the edges are firm but the center remains soft and gooey.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and serve the cakes warm immediately to enjoy the molten chocolate center.
Tips & Variations
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate taste.
- Serve with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Make sure not to overbake to keep the molten center intact.
Storage
Chocolate lava cakes are best served fresh and warm. If you need to store leftovers, keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds, but note the molten center may not be as gooey.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if baking chilled.
What if my lava cakes don’t have a molten center?
This usually means they were baked too long. Try reducing the baking time by a minute or two and watch closely to achieve the gooey center.
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Chocolate Lava Cakes (Molten Center Dessert) Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in rich, gooey Chocolate Lava Cakes with a molten center that oozes warm dark chocolate with every bite. This quick and easy dessert combines melted dark chocolate and butter with whipped eggs and sugar to create a light, airy cake exterior while maintaining a deliciously soft interior. Perfect for a decadent treat to impress guests or satisfy your sweet tooth in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chocolate and Butter
- 200 g dark chocolate
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
Batter
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth. Let it cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs in the next step.
- Whisk Eggs, Sugar, and Vanilla: In a separate large bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, incorporating air to achieve a light texture.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture: Carefully fold the cooled chocolate and butter mixture into the beaten eggs, mixing gently to combine while preserving the airy texture needed for a soft cake.
- Add Flour: Sift in the all-purpose flour and gently fold it into the batter just until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to retain the molten center characteristic of these cakes.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Pour the batter evenly into greased or lined ramekins. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes until the edges are firm but the center remains soft and gooey.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the cakes from the oven and serve warm right away to enjoy the molten chocolate center at its best.
Notes
- Use good-quality dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Do not overbake to preserve the molten center; timing is crucial.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for an added touch.
- You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it, then bake directly from the fridge adding a couple of extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, molten center dessert, easy chocolate dessert, rich chocolate cake, quick chocolate cake
