Why Make This Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake is a delightful dessert that never fails to impress. Its rich, gooey center pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want a sweet treat at home, this cake is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings. Plus, it’s simple to make and doesn’t require a lot of fancy ingredients.

How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

1 cup dark chocolate, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour four ramekins.
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
Stir in the powdered sugar until combined.
Beat in the eggs and egg yolks, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center is soft.
Let cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Serve warm, preferably with ice cream or whipped cream.

How to Serve Chocolate Lava Cake

Serve the Chocolate Lava Cake while it’s still warm for that melty center. You can place it on a plate, and it looks beautiful when you dust it with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance out the rich chocolate flavor.

How to Store Chocolate Lava Cake

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge. Place the ramekins in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave for a few seconds until the center is gooey again.

Tips to Make Chocolate Lava Cake

Make sure not to overbake the cakes. The center needs to remain soft and lava-like.
Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
Experiment with different flavors by adding a splash of espresso or a hint of orange zest.

Variation

You can customize these cakes in many ways. Try adding a piece of caramel or a chocolate truffle in the center for an extra surprise. You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different taste.

FAQs

1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the ramekins in the fridge. Bake them just before serving.

2. What if I don’t have ramekins?
You can use any oven-safe baking dish, but the baking time may vary depending on the dish’s size.

3. Can I freeze Chocolate Lava Cake?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Make sure they are cooled completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap. Thaw and reheat before serving.