End your New Year’s feast with the ultimate indulgence: Chocolate Lava Cakes. These gooey delights are as fun to make as they are to eat.
Ingredients
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter four 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess. Place prepared ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water (make sure the bottom doesn’t touch the water). Add chocolate and butter to the bowl.
- Stir occasionally until chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined and slightly lightened in color (about 2 minutes).
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to combine.
- Sift the flour over the chocolate mixture and gently fold it in until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Each should be about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. The tops should be set but look slightly under-baked.
- Remove from oven and let cool for 1 minute.
- To serve, run a knife around the edge of each ramekin, place a plate on top, and carefully invert to release the cake.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately while the centers are still warm and gooey.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Serves: 4
Important Tips:
- Do not overbake, or you’ll lose the molten center
- Ramekins can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before baking
- If baking from refrigerated, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time
- Serve immediately for the best lava cake experience
- The center should be liquid when served – this is intentional and safe to eat