Description
Rich, indulgent chocolate lava cakes with a molten center that spill out when cut into. This recipe uses simple ingredients and takes less than 30 minutes to make, ensuring a professional-looking dessert without the stress.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz (225g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped finely
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 3 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated white sugar
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease six 6-ounce ramekins generously with softened butter, getting into the ridges. Dust with unsweetened cocoa powder and tap out excess.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped chocolate and butter. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then continue in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk 3 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and sugar vigorously for 2-3 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk gently to combine.
- Sift in flour and salt. Fold in gently with a spatula until no white streaks remain. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins.
- Bake for exactly 12 minutes. Edges should be firm, center soft and jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for exactly 1 minute.
- Place a dessert plate over a ramekin, hold firmly, and invert swiftly. Lift ramekin to release cake. Serve immediately.
Notes
Timing is critical; use a timer. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough texture. Let cakes rest for 1 minute before inverting to prevent breaking. Can be made ahead by filling ramekins up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert, easy dessert, chocolate dessert, ramekin cake, homemade dessert