Chef Sven's Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake

Chef Sven • 2023-08-21

A photo of a perfect chocolate lava cake with a molten center and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Introduction

Let me tell you a funny story about the first time I attempted to make a chocolate lava cake. I was just starting out as a chef and thought I could conquer any recipe that came my way. Oh, how wrong I was!

I followed the recipe to a T, or so I thought. The mix of excitement and nerves got the best of me, and I accidentally doubled the amount of baking powder. The result? Instead of a gooey, molten center, I ended up with a cake that could have been mistaken for a muffler!

But, being the determined chef that I am, I didn’t give up. I spent countless hours in my kitchen experimenting with different ratios and techniques until I finally achieved the perfect chocolate lava cake. And today, I am going to share that recipe with you!

This chocolate lava cake is a chocolate lover’s dream. It has a rich and fudgy exterior with a gooey molten center that oozes out with every bite. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! So let’s get started on this decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins or oven-safe bowls with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, or over a double boiler on the stovetop. Once melted, set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until well combined.
  4. Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Add the vanilla extract and salt, and stir until smooth.
  5. Add the flour to the chocolate mixture and fold gently until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins or bowls, filling each about 3/4 full.
  7. Place the ramekins or bowls on a baking sheet and transfer to the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cakes sit for 1-2 minutes. Carefully invert each ramekin or bowl onto a plate, and gently tap the bottom to release the cake.
  9. Serve immediately with a dusting of powdered sugar, a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy!

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends! A recipe for chocolate lava cake that will impress even the most discerning chocolate connoisseur. Don’t be intimidated by the idea of making a lava cake - with this recipe, you’ll have success on the first try. So go ahead, indulge in this rich and decadent dessert. You deserve it!