Chocolate Lava Cake
This Chocolate Lava Cake is a decadent dessert that combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the gooey center of molten lava. It’s perfect for any occasion, from romantic dinners to family gatherings. The recipe serves 4 people and requires only basic ingredients found in most kitchens.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes per cake
Serving Size: 1 lava cake per person
Description:
The Chocolate Lava Cake is a classic dessert that originated in France. It’s known for its smooth, velvety texture and the molten chocolate center that oozes out when you cut into it. This recipe uses high-quality dark chocolate to ensure a rich flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (200g) semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick or 115g) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 4 large eggs
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder for dusting (optional)
- Sliced fresh fruit or ice cream for serving (optional)
How to Cook:
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir occasionally until smooth.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In another large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar until light in color and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer or a few more if you’re whisking by hand.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add vanilla extract to the egg mixture and mix well.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Stir in the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture. Fold in the flour gently until just combined; do not overmix as this can make your cake tough.
- Bake the Cakes: Spoon batter evenly among four 6-ounce ramekins or oven-safe dishes that have been lightly greased with cooking spray and dusted with cocoa powder (if using). Bake in a preheated 425°F (218°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The cakes should be puffed up but still slightly jiggly on top.
- Serve Immediately: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for just one minute before inverting onto dessert plates. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit if desired.
The Chocolate Lava Cake is best enjoyed right after it’s made, when the center is still warm and gooey. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea for an indulgent treat. This dessert can be prepared ahead by baking the cakes up to 30 minutes before serving time and keeping them in their ramekins at room temperature until ready to serve.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Lava Cake, and remember that while it’s a special treat, moderation is key to maintaining a balanced diet. This dessert can be made with various types of chocolate for different flavor profiles, such as milk or white chocolate if you prefer a sweeter taste.