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Valentine's Day Recipe Round Up

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes

With a prep time of only 15 minutes and bake time of 12-15 minutes, you'll achieve a rich, molten chocolate center that oozes out with every spoonful. The simple ingredient list and straightforward method ensure even beginner bakers can create a restaurant-quality dessert.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cakes
Course: Dessert
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter plus more for greasing ramekins
  • 6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Fresh berries for serving (optional)
  • Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • Ramekins
  • Saucepan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • - Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter and lightly flour four 6-ounce ramekins. This will prevent the cakes from sticking and ensure a clean release.
  2. In a medium heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method), melt the butter and chopped chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth and completely combined. Alternatively, you can melt them in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Once melted, remove from heat and let it cool slightly for a few minutes.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter, 6 ounces bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until the mixture is light and frothy, about 2 minutes. You want the sugar to be mostly dissolved.
    2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch salt
  4. Gradually whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. You can fill them about two-thirds of the way full.
  6. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges of the cakes should be set, but the centers should still be soft and jiggly. Overbaking will result in a cake that doesn't have the molten center.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for about 1 minute. Then, carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. The lava cake should slide out easily. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with fresh berries, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Valentine's Day indulgence.
    Powdered sugar, Fresh berries, Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Notes

These Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes are the absolute epitome of a romantic dessert, a true highlight of our Valentine's Day Recipe Round Up. Their show-stopping feature is, of course, that magical molten chocolate center that oozes out like warm velvet with the first touch of your spoon, offering an intensely rich chocolate experience that's both decadent and utterly sensual. Compared to a regular chocolate cake, the surprise eruption of warm, gooey chocolate elevates this dessert from good to extraordinary, making it feel truly special and indulgent without requiring expert pastry skills.
While not ideal for achieving the perfectly molten center, you can freeze baked lava cakes. Let them cool completely, then wrap each individual cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat as described above.
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