Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake with a Raspberry Surprise

Indulge your sweet tooth with this gooey, molten chocolate lava cake that hides a delightful raspberry surprise inside! Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself, this dessert is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. Let’s dive into the world of rich flavors and oozy goodness!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
• Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that perfect molten center!
2. Prepare the Ramekins: Grease four ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder, ensuring they are well coated. This helps the cakes release easily after baking.
3. Melt the Chocolate: In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat!
4. Mix the Batter: Stir in the powdered sugar until well combined. Then add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Be sure not to overmix; a few lumps are okay!
6. Fill Ramekins: Spoon a little of the batter into each ramekin, filling them about one-third full. Add 2-3 raspberries on top of the batter in each ramekin, then divide the remaining batter evenly over the raspberries, filling the ramekins to about three-quarters full.
7. Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center will still look soft and jiggly.
8. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen. Invert each ramekin onto a plate, tapping gently to release the cake. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Enjoy the blissful experience of cutting into your lava cake, revealing the rich chocolate and tart raspberry filling. This dessert is sure to elevate any occasion and leave everyone begging for more!