Chocolate Lava Cake (Molten Center)
A warm, decadent French dessert with a gooey chocolate center that flows when you cut into it. Rich, elegant, and ready in just 15 minutes.
- Total time
- 15 min
- Servings
- 2
- Calories
- 420
- Protein
- 8g
Ingredients
- 3.5 oz dark chocolate (70% cacao)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 whole large eggs
- 2.5 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter (for ramekins)
- ½ tbsp cocoa powder (for ramekins)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 425 °F and position a rack in the center. Brush two 6-oz ramekins generously with softened butter, then coat the inside of each with cocoa powder, tapping out excess—this prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- 2
Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a heatproof bowl with 3 tablespoons butter. Set the bowl over a pot of barely simmering water (double boiler method), stirring occasionally until melted and smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Do not let water touch the bowl.
- 3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until pale and thick, about 2–3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and whisk to combine.
- 4
Sift flour and salt together, then gently fold into the egg mixture using a rubber spatula until just combined—do not overmix. Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture and fold gently until no white streaks remain.
- 5
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven.
- 6
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are set and firm to the touch but the center jiggles slightly when gently shaken—a toothpick inserted 0.5 inch from the edge should come out clean, but the very center should still be soft. Do not overbake.
- 7
Remove from the oven and let rest for 30 seconds. Run a thin knife around the inside edge of each ramekin, then invert each cake onto a plate in one quick motion. Lift away the ramekin to reveal the molten center.
- 8
Serve immediately while the chocolate center is still warm and flowing. Dust with powdered sugar and accompany with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
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