Description
A quick and indulgent molten chocolate lava cake recipe perfect for busy weeknights, serving two with a rich, gooey center and minimal fuss.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (55g / 1.94 oz)
- 4 oz bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped finely
- ½ cup granulated sugar (100g / 3.5 oz)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30g / 1.06 oz)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon espresso powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter two 6 oz ramekins generously and dust with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.
- Chop chocolate finely for even melting.
- Melt butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth, or use a double boiler. Let cool slightly.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour melted chocolate mixture into egg mixture, whisking gently to combine.
- Sift flour over batter and fold in carefully with a spatula, keeping batter light and airy.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft and jiggly.
- Let cakes cool for 2 minutes, then run a knife around edges and invert onto plates.
- Serve immediately with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream if desired.
Notes
Butter and dust ramekins well to prevent sticking. Watch bake time closely to keep the molten center. Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth batter. Optional add-ins like espresso powder enhance flavor. For easier cleanup, line baking sheet with foil or parchment.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (1 ramekin)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28
- Sodium: 95
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 16
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate dessert, quick dessert, easy lava cake, dessert for two, weeknight dessert, chocolate cake