Description
Indulgent chocolate lava cakes reveal molten chocolate centers that melt with rich, velvety perfection. French pastry chefs craft these elegant desserts with carefully balanced ingredients for a luxurious experience you’ll savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsps (15g) all-purpose flour
- Unsalted butter, extra for greasing ramekins
- Cocoa powder, for dusting ramekins
Instructions
- Preparation: Meticulously butter four ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, ensuring complete coverage. Tap out excess powder to create a non-stick surface.
- Chocolate Base: Melt dark chocolate and butter using a double boiler, stirring until achieving a glossy, uniform consistency. Allow mixture to cool slightly, preventing potential overheating.
- Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and significantly thickened, creating a light, airy texture that forms the cake’s foundational structure.
- Batter Composition: Gently fold the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, carefully sifting flour over the liquid ingredients. Incorporate minimally to maintain a luxurious, tender texture without deflating the delicate egg foam.
- Baking Process: Transfer ramekins to a baking sheet, filling each about three-quarters full. Place in a preheated oven at 425F (220C) for 12-14 minutes, monitoring for set edges with slightly trembling centers.
- Serving: Remove from oven and let rest momentarily. Loosen edges with a thin knife, then invert onto serving plates with a confident motion. Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
- Presentation: Serve immediately, optionally accompanying with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the rich chocolate experience.
Notes
- Prevent Chocolate Seizing: Melt chocolate and butter at low heat to avoid burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy texture without graininess.
- Master Egg Whipping Technique: Whisk eggs and sugar vigorously until pale and thick, creating a light, airy base that helps achieve the perfect lava cake consistency.
- Precise Baking Time Matters: Watch carefully during the 12-14 minute baking window; slight underbaking creates the signature molten center while preventing a dry, cakey texture.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Substitute gluten-free flour for a celiac-friendly version, or use dark chocolate with 70% cocoa for a lower-sugar alternative that doesn’t compromise on rich chocolate flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 408
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 186mg