Ultimate Molten Lava Cake Recipe

Introduction

Indulge in the rich and decadent Ultimate Molten Lava Cake, a dessert with a warm, gooey chocolate center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare and sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
2. Step 2: Melt the chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl using short bursts, stirring frequently until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, and egg yolks together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift the flour and a pinch of salt over the batter, then mix gently until just combined.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft and slightly jiggly.
6. Step 6: Allow the cakes to cool for one minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate and serve immediately, ideally with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate before melting to enhance the chocolate taste.
• Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate if bittersweet is not available, adjusting sugar slightly if needed.
• Make sure not to overbake; the molten center is key to this dessert’s charm.

Storage

Molten lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm briefly in the microwave for about 20 seconds to restore the gooey center. Avoid baking ahead as the molten center will harden.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free chocolate. Replace eggs with flax eggs or another egg substitute, though texture may vary slightly.

How do I know when the cakes are done baking?

The edges should be firm and set while the center remains soft and slightly jiggly. Overbaking will result in a fully cooked center without the molten effect.

Ultimate Molten Lava Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 123 reviews

This Ultimate Molten Lava Cake features a rich, gooey center of bittersweet chocolate enveloped in a tender, moist cake exterior. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, this indulgent dessert is quick to prepare and sure to impress when served warm with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: 27-29 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins thoroughly with butter and evenly dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and enhance chocolate flavor.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: Combine the bittersweet chocolate and unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short, 20-30 second intervals, stirring after each burst until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
3. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolks until the mixture is light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color, indicating aeration.
4. Combine Mixtures and Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whisked eggs and sugar. Sift the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the combined mixture, folding carefully until just incorporated to avoid deflating the batter.
5. Fill Ramekins and Bake: Evenly divide the batter among the four prepared ramekins, filling them almost to the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the outer edges are set and firm but the center is still soft and jiggly.
6. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool for one minute. Invert each ramekin onto a serving plate and gently lift to release the cake. Serve immediately, ideally paired with ice cream or fresh berries to complement the rich chocolate.

Notes

• Do not overbake to ensure the center remains molten and gooey.
• If you don’t have ramekins, use any small, oven-safe dishes that hold heat well.
• Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for best flavor.
• Let the cakes cool briefly before serving to avoid burns from the molten center.
• The batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated briefly, but bake just before serving for optimal texture.

Keywords: molten lava cake, chocolate dessert, chocolate lava cake, quick dessert, individual cakes, rich chocolate cake