Description
Chocolate lava cake from Ina Garten promises molten chocolate magic in every spoonful. Rich French-inspired dessert melts dramatically, revealing a gooey center that chocolate enthusiasts will savor completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 ounces (168g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
Dry Ingredients:
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and position the rack in the middle. Thoroughly coat six 4- to 5-ounce ramekins with butter, then dust with flour, ensuring complete coverage to prevent sticking.
- Create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Chop the chocolate into small, uniform pieces and add to the bowl with butter. Stir gently until the mixture becomes glossy and completely smooth, avoiding any water contact.
- In a separate large mixing bowl, crack whole eggs and additional egg yolks. Add granulated sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisk vigorously with an electric mixer until the mixture transforms into a thick, pale yellow cream that forms soft ribbons when the whisk is lifted.
- Sift the all-purpose flour directly over the egg mixture to prevent lumps. Gently fold the flour into the mixture using a spatula, creating smooth, sweeping motions. Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the batter, combining carefully to maintain the mixture’s delicate volume.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Place the ramekins on a rimmed baking sheet for easy handling and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, watching carefully. The edges should appear set and slightly puffed, while the center remains slightly jiggly. Remove from the oven and let rest for 60 seconds.
- Invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, holding firmly for 10 seconds before lifting. The chocolate cake should release smoothly, revealing a molten center. Lightly dust with confectioners’ sugar and garnish with fresh raspberries or mint leaves for an elegant presentation.
Notes
- Capture the magic of restaurant-quality desserts with these individually portioned chocolate lava cakes that promise a dramatic chocolate reveal.
- Select premium dark chocolate for an intense, luxurious flavor that transforms this simple dessert into an extraordinary experience.
- Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or microwave to preserve its rich, deep flavor and smooth texture.
- Sift flour meticulously to eliminate any potential lumps, ensuring a silky-smooth batter that guarantees a perfect cake consistency.
- Bring eggs to room temperature for a more uniform batter that rises beautifully and creates an impeccable chocolate texture.
- Prepare ramekins carefully with butter and cocoa powder to ensure a flawless cake release and elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 458 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 78 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 39 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg