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Chocolate Lava Cakes

Chocolate Lava Cakes

35 minutesIntermediateServes 6

There's pure magic in that moment when you break into a lava cake and watch that molten chocolate center flow out like liquid gold. I'll never forget making these for my husband's birthday dinner—the look of pure joy on his face when that warm chocolate came pouring out was worth every nervous moment I spent timing them perfectly. The secret is all in the balance: enough structure to hold its shape, but that gloriously gooey center that makes your heart skip a beat. These little cakes turn any dinner into an unforgettable celebration.

Ingredients

  • • 6 oz dark chocolate (70%), chopped
  • • 6 tbsp unsalted butter
  • • 2 large eggs
  • • 2 large egg yolks
  • • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • • Pinch of salt
  • • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • • Butter for ramekins
  • • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • • Powdered sugar for serving
  • • Fresh berries for garnish
  • • Vanilla ice cream (optional)

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously butter six 6-oz ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
  2. 2. Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  3. 3. In a bowl, whisk together whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until thick and pale, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. 4. Slowly whisk the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until well combined.
  5. 5. Sift flour and salt over the mixture and gently fold in until just combined—don't overmix!
  6. 6. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. 7. At this point, you can cover and refrigerate for up to 4 hours if making ahead.
  8. 8. Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are firm but centers still jiggle slightly when shaken.
  9. 9. Let cool for exactly 1 minute, then run a knife around edges to loosen.
  10. 10. Invert onto serving plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately with berries and ice cream.

Bre's Pro Tips

  • • Timing is everything—watch for that slight jiggle in the center
  • • Good quality chocolate makes all the difference in flavor
  • • Can be made up to 4 hours ahead and baked when ready to serve
  • • Serve immediately—the molten center waits for no one!
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