Molten chocolate lava cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. With its soft, cake-like exterior and a rich, gooey center that flows with warm chocolate, this dessert is both elegant and indulgent. Topped with a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, and a sprig of mint, it not only tastes incredible but looks stunning on the plate. Despite its gourmet appearance, this dessert is surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Powdered sugar, for dusting
Fresh raspberries and mint leaves, for garnish
Optional: Vanilla ice cream for serving
Instructions
Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder.
Melt Chocolate & Butter: In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together using a microwave or double boiler. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Mix Eggs & Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until thick and pale.
Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in the flour and stir until just combined.
Fill Ramekins: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins.
Bake: Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
Cool & Serve: Let the cakes rest for 1 minute before carefully running a knife around the edges and inverting them onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with raspberries and mint. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Baking Pro Tips
Use high-quality chocolate: The better the chocolate, the richer the flavor.
Don’t overbake: The key to the gooey center is baking just until the edges are set but the middle is still soft.
Grease the ramekins well: This helps the cakes release easily.
Let them rest before flipping: A minute of cooling helps the structure hold while still allowing the center to flow.
Serve immediately: The lava effect is best enjoyed warm and fresh out of the oven.
Easy molten chocolate lava cake is an impressive yet simple dessert that is perfect for satisfying chocolate cravings. Its warm, flowing center combined with fresh fruit and a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it a gourmet treat that’s easy to prepare at home. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this dessert is sure to impress!