Description
This Easy Chocolate Lava Cake recipe delivers a rich, decadent dessert featuring a warm, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a tender cake exterior. Perfect for an indulgent treat, these individual cakes are quick to prepare and bake, making them ideal for impressing guests or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the lava cakes.
- Prepare Ramekins: Grease four 6-ounce ramekins thoroughly with butter, then lightly dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semisweet chocolate and cubed unsalted butter. Melt in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, and ¼ cup granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale, indicating it is aerated.
- Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture: Gradually pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to incorporate evenly without cooking the eggs.
- Fold in Dry Ingredients and Flavoring: Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon salt until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Divide Batter: Evenly distribute the batter among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set while the center remains soft and molten.
- Cool and Loosen: Let the cakes cool for 1-2 minutes on a wire rack. Then run a knife gently around the edges of each ramekin to loosen the cakes.
- Invert Cakes: Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate and lift it off to release the cake with its molten center intact.
- Garnish and Serve: Dust the tops with powdered sugar, add fresh berries, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, gooey center at its best.
Notes
- Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain molten for the signature lava effect.
- Ramekins need to be well-greased and floured to ensure easy cake release.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best texture and taste experience.
- Optionally, you can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate; just add a minute or two to the baking time.
