Description
Quick and easy individual chocolate lava cakes with a molten center, ready in under 15 minutes. Perfect for impressing guests or satisfying a last-minute sweet craving.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa solids), chopped
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter the inside of 6 ramekins thoroughly and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Chop chocolate into small pieces. Combine with butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, stir, then microwave in 15-20 second intervals until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt vigorously for 2-3 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy.
- Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk gently to combine.
- Sift flour (and espresso powder if using) over the batter. Gently fold in with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins, filling them about ¾ full.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. Edges should be set but center jiggly.
- Let rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edge, invert onto a plate, and serve immediately.
Notes
Timing is critical; bake for 12-14 minutes to ensure a molten center. Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Can be made ahead by refrigerating filled ramekins for up to 24 hours, adding 1-2 minutes to bake time. For gluten-free, swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. For dairy-free, use dairy-free chocolate and coconut oil or butter alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 9
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, 15 minute dessert, fudgy chocolate cake, individual desserts, date night dessert