Fondant au Chocolat (Chocolate Lava Cake)
Category: Desserts
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dark Chocolate | 150g |
| Powdered Sugar | 90g |
| Butter | 80g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 20g |
| Unsweetened Cocoa Powder | 10g |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Egg Yolk | 1 |
| Vanilla Bean | 1 pod |
| Butter (for greasing) | as needed |
| Brown Sugar | as needed |
| Powdered Sugar (for dusting) | as needed |
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Chocolate Mixture:
Begin by chopping the dark chocolate into small pieces using a sharp knife. Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Prepare a double boiler by filling a small saucepan with water and placing the bowl with the chocolate on top (making sure the bowl does not touch the water). Gently heat the chocolate over medium-low heat, stirring with a rubber spatula until fully melted and smooth. Add the butter and continue stirring to combine until the mixture is well incorporated. Once done, remove the bowl from the heat and set it aside. -
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and powdered sugar using an electric hand mixer until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You want the mixture to double in volume and appear pale. -
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients:
Sift the all-purpose flour and cocoa powder together into the egg mixture. Gently fold them into the batter using a rubber spatula or a marisa (a flat wooden spoon). Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the final dessert. -
Prepare the Molds:
Lightly grease four 8 cm diameter individual aluminum molds with butter, making sure to coat both the bottom and sides. Dust the inside of each mold with brown sugar (you can also use cocoa powder or powdered sugar for this step). This will help the cakes release easily after baking. -
Assemble the Cakes:
Once the batter is ready, fill each mold about two-thirds of the way with the batter, making sure the amount is evenly distributed. -
Bake the Fondants:
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) in static mode. Place the filled molds in the oven and bake for 13-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them: the fondants should be set on the outside, but still soft in the center. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so adjust as necessary. -
Serve:
Once baked, remove the fondants from the oven and immediately turn them out onto serving plates while they’re still hot. Be careful not to burn yourself during this step. Finish by dusting the fondant au chocolat with powdered sugar for a beautiful, elegant touch. -
Enjoy:
Serve your chocolate fondants immediately, and enjoy the delightful gooey center that flows out with every bite.
This rich and indulgent dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a treat to satisfy your chocolate cravings. The combination of dark chocolate, cocoa powder, and the soft molten center makes each bite a truly heavenly experience!
