Pin It Decadent, rich dark chocolate lava cakes with a molten cocoa center—perfect for cozy evenings and sweet home desserts.
This recipe quickly became a favorite in my home as the rich chocolate flavor delights everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Base: 100 g (3.5 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, Fresh berries
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Generously butter four 6-oz (180 ml) ramekins and dust with cocoa powder tapping out excess.
- Step 2:
- In a heatproof bowl melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a saucepan of barely simmering water (double boiler method) stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder.
- Step 3:
- In a separate bowl whisk together eggs egg yolks sugar and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Sift the flour and salt over the batter and fold in until smooth and glossy.
- Step 6:
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Step 7:
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 11 13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.
- Step 8:
- Let cakes cool for 1 minute then run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
- Step 9:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and fresh berries if desired.
Pin It This dish brings my family together especially on cold evenings when we all crave something warm and sweet.
Required Tools
4 ramekins (6 oz 180 ml each) Mixing bowls Whisk Heatproof bowl and saucepan for double boiler Sifter Baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains Eggs dairy (butter) gluten (wheat flour) May contain Soy in some chocolate Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 390 Total Fat 25 g Carbohydrates 36 g Protein 6 g per serving
Pin It Serve immediately for best texture Enjoy the warm molten center with your favorite toppings.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chocolate is best for these lava cakes?
Use high-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa for the richest flavor and smooth molten center.
- → How do I ensure the lava cakes have a molten center?
Bake the cakes just until edges are set but centers remain soft, typically 11–13 minutes at 220°C (425°F).
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
It's best to bake immediately after mixing to maintain the molten center, but batter can be chilled briefly if needed.
- → What are good serving suggestions for these cakes?
Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for added contrast.
- → Are there alternatives for gluten-free needs?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour to accommodate gluten-free diets without sacrificing texture.