Chocolate Lava Cake Molten Center (Printable Version)

Experience rich chocolate cake with an irresistible molten center, simple enough for home yet restaurant-worthy.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chocolate Mixture

01 - 3.5 oz high-quality dark chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
02 - 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

→ Wet Ingredients

03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 large egg yolks
05 - 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
06 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Dry Ingredients

07 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 - Pinch of salt

→ For Preparing Ramekins

09 - Butter, for greasing
10 - Cocoa powder, for dusting

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
02 - Combine chopped dark chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water, or microwave in short intervals. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
04 - Slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously until well combined.
05 - Sift in all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Gently fold with a spatula just until incorporated; avoid overmixing.
06 - Evenly divide the batter among prepared ramekins.
07 - Place ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the edges are set but centers remain soft and jiggly.
08 - Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute. Run a small knife around each edge, invert onto a dessert plate, and lift off the ramekin.
09 - Serve immediately with optional powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses only a handful of pantry ingredients
  • Ready to bake in under thirty minutes
  • Restaurant results at home and no special equipment needed
  • Chocolate lover's dream with intense cocoa flavor
  • Customizable for dietary needs
02 -
  • High in antioxidants from real chocolate
  • Can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining
  • Naturally vegetarian and easy to adapt
03 -
  • Do not overbake or the center will solidify and lose its drama
  • Use the best chocolate you can afford because quality makes all the difference
  • Let the batter sit in the fridge for thirty minutes for even denser chocolate flavor
  • Warm the serving plates so the cake stays molten longer after unmolding
  • If you love experimenting infuse the butter with spices or herbs like cayenne or mint before combining with chocolate for an unexpected twist

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