Description

A forgiving and easy chocolate lava cake recipe with a molten fudge center that requires minimal ingredients and equipment, perfect for beginners.

Ingredients

Scale

6 ounces (170g) dark chocolate (semi-sweet chips or chopped bars)
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (optional, for extra chocolate flavor)
Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing ramekins)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter the inside of 4 ramekins thoroughly, including the rim, then dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
Combine chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, melt over low heat in a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a medium bowl, whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar vigorously for about 2 minutes until pale and slightly thickened.
Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture and stir gently with a spatula until combined.
Add flour and salt, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Divide batter evenly among the prepared ramekins (filling them about ¾ full). Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be soft and jiggly.
Let ramekins cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, place a plate upside down over the ramekin, flip it over, and gently lift off the ramekin.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overbake; the center should remain jiggly as it continues to cook from residual heat. Room temperature ingredients incorporate better. Can be made ahead by filling ramekins up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerating. If baking from cold, add 1-2 minutes to baking time.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake
Calories: 380
Sugar: 28
Sodium: 120
Fat: 24
Saturated Fat: 14
Carbohydrates: 38
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert, baking, easy dessert, fudge center, chocolate dessert