Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients:

150g (5.3 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar
50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional garnish: powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
Grease 4 ramekins (6-8 oz capacity) generously with butter and dust lightly with flour. Shake off the excess flour and set aside.

2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter:

In a heatproof bowl, combine 150g (5.3 oz) chopped dark chocolate and 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter.
Melt the mixture over a double boiler (or microwave in 20-second intervals), stirring until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar:

In a medium bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 100g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This takes about 2-3 minutes with a hand whisk or mixer.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from cooking.
Add 1 tsp vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

5. Add the Dry Ingredients:

Sift 50g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour and 1/4 tsp sea salt into the chocolate mixture.
Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

6. Fill the Ramekins:

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.

7. Bake the Cakes:

Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when shaken.

8. Cool and Serve:

Let the cakes cool for 1-2 minutes, then carefully invert each ramekin onto a dessert plate.
Gently tap the bottom of the ramekin to release the cake.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

Dust the cakes with powdered sugar or top with fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish. Serve immediately.

Serving Tip:
Chocolate lava cakes are best enjoyed warm, allowing the molten center to flow when cut open.

Shop the Ingredients: