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Irresistible Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe with Gooey Center

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A decadent dessert with a rich, soft cake and a gooey chocolate center, perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted (plus extra for greasing ramekins)
  • 4 ounces (113g) bittersweet chocolate (60–70% cocoa)
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, berries, or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4–6 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder. Place them on a baking sheet.
  2. In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter with 4 ounces (113g) bittersweet chocolate. Stir until smooth and let cool slightly.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 2 egg yolks, and ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
  4. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the eggs and sugar, whisking until fully combined.
  5. Sift in 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.
  7. Bake for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the centers will appear soft.
  8. Let the cakes cool for 1–2 minutes before gently running a knife around the edges to loosen them.
  9. Invert the ramekins onto serving plates and carefully lift them off. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings.

Notes

[‘Grease ramekins thoroughly with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.’, ‘Stick to the recommended baking time to ensure a gooey center.’, ‘Use high-quality bittersweet chocolate for the best flavor.’, ‘Prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, gooey center, dessert, easy recipe, quick dessert, chocolate dessert, Valentine's Day, date night