Sweetheart Chocolate Lava Cakes (Printable)
Indulgent mini chocolate cakes with a gooey molten center, perfect for sharing with someone special.
# What goes in:
→ Chocolate & Dairy
01 - 4.2 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60–70% cocoa), chopped
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
→ Dry Ingredients
03 - 3/4 cup powdered sugar
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
→ Eggs
05 - 2 large eggs
06 - 2 large egg yolks
→ Flavoring
07 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt
# Directions:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Thoroughly butter four 6-ounce ramekins and lightly dust with flour, gently tapping out any excess.
02 - Combine the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl. Place the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and pale in color.
04 - Gently fold the cooled melted chocolate mixture into the whisked egg mixture until thoroughly combined and uniform.
05 - Sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Carefully fold the dry ingredients into the batter until just incorporated, being careful not to overmix.
06 - Evenly distribute the prepared batter among the four buttered and floured ramekins.
07 - Place the filled ramekins onto a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 12 minutes, or until the edges appear set but the centers remain soft and jiggly.
08 - Allow the cakes to cool in their ramekins for 1 minute. Carefully run a small knife around the edges of each cake, then invert onto individual serving plates. Serve immediately for best results.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- It feels incredibly fancy and impressive, but it's genuinely simple to pull off.
- The pure, intense chocolate flavor and that irresistible molten core make it an instant favorite for any occasion.
02 -
- The absolute biggest secret to a truly molten center is not to overbake them; trust the wobble!
- Using high-quality chocolate makes an enormous difference in the final taste and luxuriousness of your cakes.
03 -
- Invest in an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at the temperature you set; this is critical for consistent baking.
- For the ultimate drama, serve these straight from the oven; that first cut into the warm cake is pure magic.