Chocolate Lava Cake
Experience the rich and gooey delight of Chocolate Lava Cake, featuring a delicate cake exterior and a molten, velvety chocolate center that melts in your mouth. Perfect for special occasions or any time you crave an indulgent dessert, this recipe balances texture and flavor beautifully.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Main Ingredients
- 6 oz high-quality dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large fresh eggs
- 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and gather all ingredients measured and ready. Chop the chocolate and butter into small pieces to promote even melting.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Using a double boiler or microwave, gently melt the dark chocolate and unsalted butter together, stirring frequently until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the fresh eggs and granulated sugar vigorously until pale and fluffy, creating a light texture for the cake.
- Combine Mixtures and Add Flour: Slowly fold the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture. Then sift in the flour, salt, and vanilla extract carefully, folding to preserve airiness.
- Prepare Molds and Bake: Butter and lightly flour individual ramekins. Pour the batter evenly into molds and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Serve Warm: Allow the cakes to rest briefly after baking, then invert each ramekin onto a plate. The molten center will flow out beautifully when cut into while warm.
Notes
- Use quality chocolate: The final flavor depends heavily on your chocolate choice, so use the best available.
- Do not overbake: Bake just until edges are set and the center is still soft to maintain the lava effect.
- Lightly butter and flour molds: This prevents sticking and helps cakes release cleanly for elegant presentation.
- Serve immediately: Lava cakes are best enjoyed warm to enjoy the molten center.
- Test oven temperature: Use an oven thermometer for consistent baking results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (about 100g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake