Description
A rich, indulgent dessert featuring a warm, tender cake with a molten chocolate center. This easy-to-make treat looks professional but comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for dinner parties or spontaneous cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs + 2 egg yolks (room temperature)
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cocoa powder (for dusting ramekins)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
- Fresh berries (optional, for serving)
- Whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter the inside of 6 ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and butter. Melt in microwave in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk whole eggs and egg yolks with sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Gradually stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add vanilla extract and salt, then gently fold in flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins and smooth tops. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or bake immediately.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. Edges should be firm, but centers must remain soft and jiggly.
- Let cakes cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or whipped cream.
Notes
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for best texture. Do not overbake, or the center will not be gooey. Batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Leftover batter can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake per serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert recipe, dinner party dessert, easy chocolate dessert, indulgent dessert, gluten-free option