Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten chocolate lava cakes, often just called “lava cakes,” are individual chocolate cakes with a gooey, molten center. When baked, the outside of the cake sets to a rich chocolatey texture while the center remains soft and liquid. They’re typically served warm and can be accompanied by vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a decadent dessert. Here’s a basic recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt
• Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients: Add the powdered sugar to the melted chocolate mixture and stir until well combined. Then, add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, stir in the flour and salt until just combined.
4. Fill Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
5. Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
6. Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 minute, then carefully invert them onto plates. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Enjoy your indulgent dessert!