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Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe Easy Molten Center Dessert

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A rich and indulgent chocolate lava cake with a molten center that is quick and easy to make, perfect for special occasions or a comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) bittersweet chocolate (recommend Ghirardelli or Valrhona)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened but not melted
  • 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (65 g) all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 1 tsp espresso powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425Β°F (220Β°C).
  2. Butter and cocoa powder your ramekins to prevent sticking.
  3. Melt chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth (3-5 minutes).
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla, salt, and espresso powder until pale and slightly thickened (3-4 minutes by hand).
  5. Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture gently to keep batter airy.
  6. Sift the flour over the batter and fold just until no streaks remain; avoid overmixing.
  7. Divide batter evenly among ramekins, filling about 3/4 full.
  8. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but center is soft and jiggly.
  9. Remove from oven and let cakes sit for 1 minute.
  10. Run a small knife around edges, invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, and gently release the cake.
  11. Serve immediately with optional powdered sugar, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cake tender. Quality bittersweet chocolate enhances flavor. Timing is crucial to maintain molten center; watch closely. Butter and cocoa powder ramekins for easy release. Batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours; add extra baking time if baking cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, quick chocolate cake, decadent dessert, molten center, chocolate dessert