Molten Lava Cakes

Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this Molten Lava Cake. Rich, decadent, and perfectly gooey in the center, each bite reveals a luscious flow of warm, melted chocolate. This show-stopping dessert is easier than it looks and guaranteed to impress – a true chocolate lover’s dream.

Prep Time: 20 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 6 oz high-quality dark chocolate, 170g, 60-70% cocoa

  
  

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes, 115g

  
  

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 50g

  
  

• 2 large eggs

  
  

• 2 large egg yolks

  
  

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 30g

  
  

• 1/ teaspoon vanilla extract

  
  

• Pinch of salt

  
  

• Cocoa powder, for dusting the ramekins

  
  

• Powdered sugar, for dusting, optional

  
  

• mint leaves, ice cream, or whipped cream, optional

Instructions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2

Butter four 6-ounce (180 ml) ramekins generously. Dust the inside of each ramekin with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. This ensures the cakes don’t stick and gives a luxurious outer coating.

Step 3

In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Melt the mixture over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 4

In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar together until light, frothy, and pale in color. This step is key to creating a light texture in the cake.

Step 5

Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6

Sift the flour and salt into the chocolate mixture, gently folding until combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 7

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft and slightly jiggly. The tops should look set. Be careful not to overbake, as this will ruin the molten center.

Step 9

Allow the cakes to rest for 1 minute after baking. Run a knife around the edges of each ramekin to loosen the cakes.

Step 10

Place an inverted plate on top of each ramekin, then flip over to unmold the cake onto the plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately while warm.