The Recipe for Chocolate Lava Cake

A rich dish with a gooey, molten core that flows like lava when cut is chocolate lava cake.

This is a detailed guide with step-by-step instructions to help you make this decadent delicacy at home.

Ingredients for four servings:

Ingredients (Serves 4)

4 oz (113g) semi-sweet chocolate

1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter

1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

1/2 cup (100g) powdered sugar

2 large eggs

2 egg yolks

1 tsp vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

First Step: Get the Ramekins Ready:

How to Proceed: Lightly dust four ramekins with cocoa powder after greasing them with butter.

The Significance of It: gives a touch of cocoa flavor and keeps the cake from sticking.

An example would be brushing butter on a ramekin and then dusting it with chocolate.

Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate:

How to Do It: In a double boiler or microwave, melt the butter and chocolate until they are smooth.

The Significance of It: makes the rich, molten center's foundation.

Example: Melting butter and chocolate in a basin over simmering water.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Components:

What to Do: Whisk together flour, powdered sugar, and a touch of salt in a another basin.

Why It's Important: Creates a uniform batter by combining the dry ingredients.

Example: In a mixing dish, powdered sugar and flour are stirred together.

Step 4: Mix the Dry and Wet Components:

What to Do: Fold in the dry ingredients after adding the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the melted chocolate mixture.

Why It Matters: Establishes a richly flavored batter that is silky.

Example: Folding flour into chocolate mixture and cracking eggs into it.

Fill the Ramekins in step five.

How to Proceed: Fill Approximately ¾ of Each Prepared Ramekin with the Batter.

The Significance of It: allows space for the molten center while ensuring that the cakes rise correctly.

An example would be a ladle filling a ramekin with batter.

Step 6: Bake:

How to Proceed: Bake for 12 to 14 minutes at 425°F (220°C) in a preheated oven.

The center should still be mushy, but the edges should be hard.

The Significance of It: reaches the ideal center of gooey lava.

An example would be a ramekin on an oven rack with a 12-minute timer.

Step 7: Serve After Slightly Cooling:

How to proceed: Allow the cakes to

After one to two minutes of repose, carefully flip onto a plate.

The Significance of It: keeps things from shattering and guarantees a tidy display.

Example: A molten core spills out of a ramekin that has been inverted onto a plate.

Extra-optional garnishes:

Powdered Sugar: For a timeless appearance, lightly dust the top.

Berries: For a splash of color, add fresh strawberries or raspberries.

Ice Cream: For contrast, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Example: A chocolate lava cake on a dish with ice cream, berries, and powdered sugar.

Success Advice: Avoid Overbaking: If you wait too long, the center may become firm.

First, test one cake: To fine-tune your baking time, prepare a test cake if you're not sure.

Make Use of Quality Chocolate: A rich, velvety flavor is guaranteed by premium chocolate.

Savor your decadent chocolate lava cakes that you cooked yourself!