Save Pin Decadent, rich dark chocolate lava cakes with a molten cocoa center—perfect for cozy evenings and sweet home desserts.
First I served this... Decadent dark chocolate lava cakes quickly became a family favorite for cozy nights.
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
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Generously butter four 6-oz (180 ml) ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Melt chocolate and butter:
- 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.
- Whisk eggs and sugar:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
- Combine mixtures:
- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
- Add flour and salt:
- Sift the flour and salt over the batter and fold in until smooth and glossy.
- Divide batter:
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Bake:
- 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.
- Cool and serve:
- Let cakes cool for 1 minute, then run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
- Garnish and serve:
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and fresh berries if desired.
Save Pin These cakes have brought so much joy during family dinners, especially on chilly evenings when a warm dessert is just perfect.
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.
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Enjoy these lava cakes fresh from the oven for the ultimate chocolate experience.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Use high-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa content for a deep, rich flavor and smooth texture.
- → How do I ensure the molten center stays gooey?
Bake until edges are set but centers remain soft, typically 11–13 minutes; avoid overbaking to keep the molten core intact.
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
The batter is best baked fresh but can be refrigerated briefly; bring to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
- → What are suitable serving suggestions?
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for added flavor and contrast.
- → Are there gluten-free alternatives?
Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends to accommodate dietary needs without compromising texture.