Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe (Serves 4)

Ingredients:

• For the Lava Cakes:

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the ramekins

  • 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, coarsely chopped

  • 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour

  • 1/8 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

• For Garnishing:

  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)

  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)

  • Fresh berries (optional)

Equipment:

• 4 small ramekins (6 oz each)

• A baking sheet

Method:

1. Prepare the Ramekins:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

   • Grease 4 ramekins generously with butter. You can dust them lightly with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking. Set them aside on a baking sheet.

2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate:

   • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate.

   • Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the butter and chocolate are completely melted and smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the mixture over a double boiler.

   • Set the mixture aside to cool slightly.

3. Make the Batter:

   • In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until well combined and smooth.

   • Slowly whisk in the melted butter-chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.

   • Add the flour, salt, and vanilla extract to the batter and gently fold everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

4. Fill the Ramekins:

   • Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

5. Bake the Lava Cakes:

   • Place the ramekins on the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm and set, but the center should still be soft and slightly jiggly. Be cautious not to overbake as you want a gooey center.

   • Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them sit for 1 minute.

6. Serve the Lava Cakes:

   • Run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen it, then carefully invert the ramekin onto a serving plate. Tap gently to release the cake.

   • Dust the top of each cake with powdered sugar and garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries, if desired.

7. Enjoy Immediately:

   • Serve the chocolate lava cakes warm so that the molten center flows out when you cut into it.

Tips:

• You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it in the ramekins. When ready to bake, bring them to room temperature before putting them in the oven.

• For an extra indulgent variation, you can add a small piece of chocolate in the center of each ramekin before baking to enhance the molten center.

Enjoy this rich and indulgent Chocolate Lava Cake! It’s perfect for any special occasion or a luxurious treat.

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