Imagine cutting into a warm, rich chocolate cake and watching a river of molten chocolate cascade onto your plate, creating a moment of pure culinary bliss. Our Double Chocolate Lava Cakes are not just a dessert – they're an experience that transforms an ordinary evening into an extraordinary indulgence. These decadent individual cakes promise to be your secret weapon for impressing dinner guests or treating yourself to a luxurious chocolate escape that's surprisingly easy to create.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 12 mins
Total Time: 27 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare your baking equipment by preheating the oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease 4 individual ramekins or oven-safe dessert cups with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe glass bowl over a pot of simmering water. Ensure the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water.
- Add unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the bowl. Melt slowly, stirring continuously until smooth and completely combined. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and slightly frothy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, being careful not to deflate the eggs. Add vanilla extract and mix until uniform.
- Sift all-purpose flour and salt into the chocolate mixture. Fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should look slightly jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edges to loosen.
- Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. Lift the ramekin to reveal the lava cake. Dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
- Serve immediately while the chocolate center is still warm and molten. Enjoy the rich, decadent dessert right away for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your oven is precisely preheated to 425°F for the perfect lava cake texture.
- Don't Overmix: When combining ingredients, fold gently to maintain the light, airy structure of your batter.
- Timing is Critical: Watch your baking time closely – 10-12 minutes is the sweet spot for achieving that signature molten center.
- Ramekin Preparation: Greasing and dusting ramekins with cocoa powder prevents sticking and adds an extra layer of chocolate flavor.
- Serve Immediately: Lava cakes are best enjoyed right after baking when the center is still warm and gloriously runny.
- Optional Enhancements: Consider serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a light dusting of powdered sugar for extra elegance.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 592kcal
Carbohydrates: 57g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
