Easy Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Molten Chocolate Cake – Super Easy

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Servings: 4

Description

This rich, indulgent Molten Chocolate Cake recipe, sourced from Food and Wine Magazine (September 2003), is a perfect blend of simplicity and elegance. With a mere 12 minutes of baking time, the result is a decadent dessert with gooey, molten chocolate oozing from the center. The dish is impressive yet incredibly easy to make, ideal for any occasion where you want to wow your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a treat that combines intense chocolate flavor with a warm, soft center. Additionally, for a fun twist, you can add a piece of your favorite chocolate to the middle before baking. For smaller servings, you can easily halve the ingredients to make just two portions. This recipe can also be modified for gluten-free diets by using rice flour.

Ingredients

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.

2. Prepare the Ramekins
   Butter and lightly flour four 6-ounce ramekins. After flouring, tap out any excess flour to avoid clumps. This will ensure the cakes don’t stick and slide out easily after baking.

3. Melt the Chocolate and Butter
   In a double boiler, melt together the unsalted butter and bittersweet chocolate. Stir occasionally until smooth and melted. If you don’t have a double boiler, you can create one by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.

4. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar
   In a separate large bowl, beat the whole eggs, egg yolks, salt, and sugar on high speed. Continue beating until the mixture becomes pale and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.

5. Combine the Chocolate Mixture with the Eggs
   Once the chocolate and butter are melted and smooth, whisk it into the egg mixture. Do this quickly to avoid the eggs from cooking in the hot chocolate.

6. Add the Flour
   Fold the all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture gently, ensuring it is evenly incorporated without deflating the batter.

7. Fill the Ramekins
   Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins. Be careful not to overfill—leaving some space at the top allows the cakes to rise properly and form that classic molten center.

8. Bake the Cakes
   Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling and bake them for 12 minutes. The sides should be firm, but the centers should remain soft and slightly jiggly. Keep an eye on the cakes as overbaking will result in a fully set cake rather than a molten center.

9. Cool Slightly
   Once the cakes are done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool for about 1 minute. This brief cooling period allows the cakes to settle and makes them easier to remove from the ramekins.

10. Unmold the Cakes
    Carefully run a knife around the edge of each cake to loosen it from the sides of the ramekin. Then, gently invert the ramekins onto a plate. Give them a little tap and let the cake rest for a few seconds to release from the mold.

11. Serve Immediately
    Serve these molten chocolate cakes right away while they are still warm, allowing the rich, gooey center to spill out as you cut into them. They are perfect on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips and Variations

• Add a Surprise
  For an even more decadent version, place a piece of chocolate (such as a square of your favorite chocolate bar) in the center of the cake batter before baking. This extra layer of chocolate will melt into the molten center for an added surprise.

• Gluten-Free Version
  This recipe can be easily adapted for gluten-free diets by substituting the all-purpose flour with rice flour. The texture may be slightly runnier, but the flavor will still be just as rich and satisfying.

• Smaller Portions
  If you’re only serving two people, simply halve the ingredients and bake the cakes in two ramekins. The baking time may be slightly shorter, so keep an eye on the cakes to ensure they don’t overbake.

Conclusion

These Molten Chocolate Cakes are the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. They’re quick and easy to prepare, yet offer the impressive results of a gourmet dessert. With a warm, molten center and a rich, chocolatey exterior, they are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this dessert will make any moment feel extra special. Enjoy!