There’s something magical about slicing into a warm Chocolate Lava Cake and watching rich, molten chocolate flow from its center. This dessert is a perfect balance of a soft, cake-like exterior and a decadent, gooey core, making it an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. Whether you’re planning a special dinner or simply indulging in a midweek treat, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity and elegance. Best of all, it’s made with a handful of pantry staples and comes together in no time!
Chocolate Lava Cake
Why This Chocolate Lava Cake is Irresistible
- Gooey Center: The rich, molten chocolate center is pure bliss.
- Quick Bake: Ready in under 30 minutes, satisfying your cravings swiftly.
- Elegant Presentation: Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile Delight: Pair it with various toppings for a personalized touch.
Perfect for Any Celebration
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or simply treating yourself, Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake is the way to go. Its warm, gooey center combined with a soft, cakey exterior makes it a favorite among dessert lovers.
Ingredient Notes
- Bittersweet chocolate: The star of the dessert, providing a rich, intense chocolate flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and moisture to the batter, helping to create the molten center.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to a smoother texture.
- Eggs and egg yolks: Give structure while also helping to achieve the gooey, molten center.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: Provides just enough structure to hold the cake together while still allowing for the molten center.
- Salt: Balances and enhances the sweetness of the dessert.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cake
- High-Quality Chocolate: Use the best quality chocolate you can find for a rich flavor.
- Watch the Bake Time: Keep an eye on the oven to ensure the cake is perfectly baked but still molten in the center.
- Grease the Ramekins: Ensure the cakes don’t stick by greasing the ramekins thoroughly.
- Serve Warm: Serve the cakes immediately after baking for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- With Ice Cream: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold.
- With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- With Fresh Berries: Garnish with raspberries or strawberries for a fresh touch.
- With Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce over the top for added sweetness.
- With Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of mint for a refreshing hint.
- With Chocolate Shavings: Sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for extra decadence.
- With Crushed Nuts: Add some crushed nuts like hazelnuts or almonds for a crunchy texture.
A Must-Try
Indulging in Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake is an experience you won’t forget. The combination of a soft, cakey exterior and a rich, molten center will make this dessert a favorite in your household. Treat yourself or your loved ones to this exceptional delight, and savor every gooey bite.
Be sure to check out these other delicious cake recipes!
Chocolate Lava Cake
Ingredients
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate chopped
- 3/4 cup 168gr unsalted butter, cut into 1 Tablespoon pieces
- 6 1/2 Tablespoon 62gr unbleached all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups 150gr powdered sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or six wells of a jumbo muffin pan. Place them on a baking sheet and lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
- In a medium saucepan, bring about 1 inch of water to a simmer over medium-high heat. Place the chocolate and 3/4 cup of butter into a heatproof glass bowl. Lower the heat to medium-low and set the bowl over the simmering water. Stir constantly until the chocolate and butter are fully melted. Remove the bowl from heat and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Once slightly cooled, stir in the powdered sugar and salt until the mixture is thick and well combined.
- Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, stirring until fully incorporated. It may take a bit of mixing to get everything blended smoothly.
- Sift the flour into the mixture, then gently stir and fold until fully combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins or muffin wells, filling each about 2/3 full (approximately 1/2 cup per portion). If you're using ramekins, place them on a baking sheet before baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them, then carefully invert onto dessert plates. If using a muffin pan, invert onto a cutting board or baking sheet, then transfer to individual plates.
- Serve warm shortly after baking. If desired, garnish with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries.
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Chocolate Lava Cake