Decadent Dark Chocolate Lava (Printable)

Rich dark chocolate cakes with molten centers, ideal for cozy desserts at home.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chocolate Base

01 - 3.5 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
03 - 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

→ Batter

04 - 2 large eggs
05 - 2 large egg yolks
06 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
07 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
09 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

→ For Serving (optional)

10 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
11 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
12 - Fresh berries

# Method:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Generously butter four 6-oz ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
02 - Melt dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until thick and pale.
04 - Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
05 - Sift flour and salt over the batter and fold in until smooth and glossy.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins.
07 - Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until edges are set and centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking.
08 - Allow cakes to cool for 1 minute, then run a thin knife around edges and invert onto serving plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and fresh berries, if desired.

# Expert Pointers:

01 -
  • Rich molten cocoa center
  • Perfect for cozy evenings
02 -
  • Do not overbake to ensure molten center
  • Use high-quality chocolate for best flavor
03 -
  • Grease ramekins well to easily invert cakes
  • Serve immediately for best molten effect
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