Decadent Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Rich and comforting molten chocolate lava cakes with a luscious oozing center, quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature), plus extra for greasing ramekins
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: powdered sugar or cocoa powder for garnish
- Optional: fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter the ramekins thoroughly and lightly dust with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over simmering water. Stir gently until smooth and glossy (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar in a separate bowl until thick and pale (3-4 minutes by hand or 2 minutes with a mixer). The batter should coat the back of a spoon.
- Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture using a spatula with gentle folding motions.
- Sift the flour and salt over the batter, then fold carefully until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling about three-quarters full.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm and the center should wobble slightly when shaken.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around edges to loosen and invert each ramekin onto a serving plate.
- Serve immediately with optional powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Watch the bake closely and look for a slight wobble in the center to ensure the perfect molten center. Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter. Grease and dust ramekins well to prevent sticking. You can prepare batter ahead and refrigerate, adding a couple minutes to baking time if baking cold batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (approximatel
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 22
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 6
Keywords: molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake, quick dessert, homemade lava cake, chocolate cake with molten center