Ultimate Molten Lava Cake Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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