Chocolate Lava Cake

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a heatproof bowl, melt the 4 ounces of dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals or using a double boiler. Stir until you have a smooth, glossy mixture.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Eggs

In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined. This mixture will add sweetness and structure to your Chocolate Lava Cake.

Step 3: Mix the Batter

Gently fold the chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture until the batter is homogenous. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of chocolate are just fine.

Step 4: Add Flour and Salt

Sift in the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, then fold them into the batter. This step ensures the cake has the right texture and balance of flavors.

Step 5: Prepare the Lava Filling

In a separate bowl, melt the 2 ounces of dark chocolate and mix it with the heavy cream. This will be the luscious lava center of your cake.

Step 6: Assemble the Cakes

Grease and flour your ramekins or oven-safe dishes. Fill them halfway with the cake batter. Create a well in the center, then add a spoonful of the lava filling. Cover the filling with more batter until it’s just below the rim of the ramekin.

Step 7: Bake

Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cakes are ready when the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.

Step 8: Serve

Remove the Chocolate Lava Cakes from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. This slight cooling time ensures that you can safely unmold the cakes without burning yourself. You can serve them directly in the ramekins or invert them onto plates for that iconic lava flow.