Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these rich and gooey chocolate lava cakes. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself, these individual cakes have a warm, molten center that flows out as you take your first bite. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible combination!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup high-quality semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the ramekins: Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter, then dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. This will help the cakes release easily.
- Melt the chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semisweet chocolate chips. Heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly.
- Mix the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine mixtures: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Be careful not to deflate the eggs too much.
- Add flour and vanilla: Sift the all-purpose flour and pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Add the vanilla extract and fold until just combined.
- Pour into ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.
- Cool slightly: Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool for 1 minute. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen them.
- Invert and serve: Invert each ramekin onto a plate and gently tap to release the cake. Serve immediately, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy your warm, gooey chocolate lava cakes! Perfect for any occasion.