Chocolate Lava Cakes are made with just a handful of ingredients and have rich, molten chocolate centers. Perfect for dinner parties, Valentine's Day dessert, or any special occasion, these decadent desserts are easy to make and can even be made ahead of time.
10tablespoons(142 grams) unsalted butter,plus more for coating ramekins
1/2cup(100 grams) granulated sugar,plus more for coating ramekins
8ounces(227 grams) semisweet chocolate,chopped*
4large eggs
4large egg yolks
1teaspoonvanilla extract
1/2cup(64 grams) all-purpose flour
1/2teaspoonsalt
Fresh raspberries or strawberries,for garnish, optional
Powdered sugar,for garnish, optional
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease 6 (6-ounce, 170 gram) ramekins generously with butter. Coat the insides of the buttered ramekins with granulated sugar, tapping out the excess.
Combine the 10 tablespoons of butter and chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir, then continue heating in 30-second bursts, stirring between bursts, until the mixture is melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Let cool.
In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, egg yolks, vanilla, and the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar until slightly thickened and pale in color, about 90 seconds. Gently fold the melted cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
Gently stir in the flour and salt. Divide the batter among the ramekins.
MAKE AHEAD: At this point, the batter-filled ramekins can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day.
Bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are firm and the top is set but the center is runny. Add an additional minute of baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen and let cool for 1 minute. Invert onto dessert plates then let stand inverted for about 30 seconds. You can also serve straight from the ramekin. Serve with fresh berries and powdered sugar, whipped cream, or ice cream if desired.
Video
Notes
*Don't use chocolate chips.Muffin pan alternative: Divide the batter between 10 paper-lined muffin tin cavities and bake for 10 minutes for smaller, more portable servings.Half batch: Simply divide all ingredients in half to yield 3 Chocolate Lava Cakes - no other modifications needed.