Indulge in the ultimate chocolate dessert with this easy Lava Cake Recipe! Featuring a rich, gooey molten center and made with simple ingredients, it’s the perfect treat for date nights, dinner parties, or anytime you crave something decadent. Ready in just 20 minutes! 🍫✨
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Lava Cakes:
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) good quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa), finely chopped
- 100g (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 50g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
- 40g (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Butter and cocoa powder, for preparing ramekins
For the Raspberry Coulis:
- 150g (about 1 cup) fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Equipment:
- 6 oven-safe ramekins (about 6 oz capacity each)
- Double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Fine-mesh sieve (optional, for smoother coulis)
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-Step Instructions with Pictures:
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
- Generously butter the inside of each ramekin. Then, coat the buttered surfaces with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. This helps the cakes release easily and adds a nice chocolatey edge.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- Place the chopped dark chocolate and cubed butter in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
- Gradually whisk the slightly cooled, melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture until just combined and smooth.
Step 5: Add Dry Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and the pinch of salt. Gently sift the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients. Fold them in with a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing will develop gluten and make the cakes less tender.
Step 6: Fill the Ramekins
- Pour the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake the Lava Cakes
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Place the filled ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. The edges of the cakes should look set, but the centers should still be soft and slightly jiggly. The exact baking time will depend on your oven and the size of your ramekins.
Step 8: Make the Raspberry Coulis
- While the cakes are baking, prepare the raspberry coulis. In a small saucepan, combine the raspberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries have softened and released their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
Step 9: Blend and Strain the Coulis (Optional)
- Carefully transfer the hot raspberry mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. For an extra smooth coulis, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 10: Serve Immediately
- Once the lava cakes are out of the oven, let them cool in the ramekins for about 1 minute. Then, carefully run a thin knife around the edges of each cake to loosen it. Place a dessert plate upside down over the ramekin and quickly flip it over. Gently tap the top of the ramekin to release the cake onto the plate.
Step 11: Garnish and Enjoy!
- Drizzle the warm raspberry coulis around the lava cake. You can also dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh raspberry for an extra touch. Serve immediately while the center is still molten and gooey.
Enjoy your delicious and impressive “secret” lava cakes! While the recipe isn’t a guarded industry secret, the delightful result will surely make it feel like one.
