Chocolate Lava Cake

Name: Chocolate Lava Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 120 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa); 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus more for greasing); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 egg yolks (room temperature); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 pinch salt

27 min 4 servings Medium

All Recipes

Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge in the rich and decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten centre.

Prep

15 min

Cook

12 min

Total

27 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Chocolate lava cake, also known as molten chocolate cake, is a popular dessert that combines the elements of a flourless chocolate cake and a soufflé. Its defining feature is the gooey, molten chocolate centre that flows out when you cut into it, creating an indulgent experience with every bite. This dessert has become a favourite for both chocolate lovers and restaurant-goers alike, thanks to its rich flavour and impressive presentation. While it may seem like a complex dish, it is surprisingly simple to make at home, requiring just a few ingredients and a keen eye on the baking time.

Ingredients

Servings

Chocolate Lava Cake

Instructions

Prepare the Ramekins

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with flour, shaking out the excess.

Pro tip: Ensure the ramekins are thoroughly greased to prevent sticking.

Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Pro tip: Avoid overheating the chocolate to prevent it from seizing.

Whisk Eggs and Sugar

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until light and fluffy.

Pro tip: Whisk vigorously to incorporate air for a lighter texture.

Combine with Chocolate

Gently fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture until well combined.

Pro tip: Use a spatula to fold, preserving the airiness of the batter.

Add Flour and Salt

Sift the flour and salt over the batter and gently fold until just combined.

Pro tip: Do not overmix to keep the batter light.

Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the centre remains soft.

Pro tip: Watch closely in the last minutes to avoid overbaking.

Serve Immediately

Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates. Serve immediately.

Pro tip: Garnish with icing sugar or berries for extra flair.

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Tips & Tricks

<ul><li>Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavour.</li><li>Grease ramekins thoroughly to ensure easy removal of the cakes.</li><li>Serve immediately after baking for the perfect molten centre.</li><li>Experiment with different fillings, like caramel or peanut butter, for a twist.</li></ul>

Serving Suggestions

To serve your chocolate lava cakes, you can dust them with icing sugar and garnish with fresh berries for a pop of colour and flavour. Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream also make excellent accompaniments, balancing the richness of the chocolate. These cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but you can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before baking. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days, and reheat gently in the microwave before serving.