Description
Indulgent chocolate molten lava cake delivers a silky chocolate experience straight from Paris kitchens. Rich ganache center melts dramatically, creating pure dessert magic when served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Chocolate Ingredients:
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
Egg Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
Dry and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 425F (220C). Generously coat four 6-ounce ramekins with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Create a smooth chocolate base by melting butter and chocolate chips together in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir frequently until the mixture becomes glossy and uniform.
- Whip eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a separate bowl until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale cream. Enhance the flavor by incorporating vanilla extract and a touch of salt.
- Carefully integrate the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, ensuring thorough blending. Gently fold flour into the batter, mixing until just combined to maintain a light texture.
- Distribute the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each one carefully and consistently.
- Position the ramekins on a baking sheet and slide into the preheated oven. Bake for precisely 12 minutes, watching for firm edges while maintaining a slightly wobbly center.
- Allow the cakes to rest for one minute after removing from the oven. Invert onto serving plates and present immediately, optionally accompanied by a scoop of cold ice cream or dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- Chocolate Selection Matters: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
- Precision in Baking: Remove cakes from the oven exactly when edges are set but centers are slightly wobbly to guarantee that perfect molten, gooey interior every single time.
- Temperature Control: Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother blending and more consistent texture in your lava cakes.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version, and use dairy-free chocolate and butter substitutes for a vegan-friendly adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 548
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 61 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: <1 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 186 mg