Description
Rich, warm chocolate cakes with a gooey molten center that can be prepared in just 15 minutes. This easy dessert looks restaurant-quality but requires minimal effort and equipment.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), chopped
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks, room temperature
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon (2g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing and dusting ramekins
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease six 6-ounce ramekins thoroughly with butter using a pastry brush, then dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Chop dark chocolate into small pieces. Place in a microwave-safe bowl with butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk whole eggs and egg yolks with granulated sugar vigorously for 2-3 minutes until pale and slightly thickened.
- Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Whisk gently until combined.
- Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the bowl. Gently fold in with a spatula until just combined. The batter should be thick and glossy.
- Distribute batter evenly among prepared ramekins, filling about ¾ full. If adding fillings like peanut butter or extra chocolate, place in center and cover with batter.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. Edges should be set but center soft. Do not overbake.
- Let cakes cool in ramekins for 1 minute. Run a knife around edges to loosen. Place a plate over the ramekin and flip to release. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overbake; the center should remain soft and molten. Room temperature eggs mix better. You can prepare the batter ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, adding 1-2 minutes to baking time. Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor and texture. Avoid chocolate chips as they contain stabilizers that prevent smooth melting.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 150
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, 15 minute dessert, rich chocolate dessert, weeknight dessert, homemade lava cake