Description
This Molten Lava Cake recipe delivers a rich, decadent dessert with a gooey chocolate center that oozes with each bite. Perfect for a single serving, it combines semi-sweet chocolate, butter, eggs, and sugar to create an indulgent treat topped with creamy vanilla ice cream, baked to perfection in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Topping
- Vanilla ice cream (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is fully heated when you are ready to bake the lava cake.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a pan on low heat or using the microwave in small increments, melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips together with unsalted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk the whole egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of fine sea salt until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the all-purpose flour to the wet ingredients and whisk thoroughly to minimize lumps. Then gently fold in the melted chocolate and butter mixture, blending until the batter is fully incorporated and smooth.
- Pour Batter: Grease a 4 1/2-inch-wide ramekin or oven-safe dish and pour the cake batter into it. For two smaller cakes, divide the batter evenly but reduce the baking time accordingly.
- Bake: Place the ramekin in the oven and bake for 14 to 20 minutes. Watch closely for the top to be just set while the center remains molten and gooey. Avoid overbaking to keep the lava texture intact.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool briefly. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream.
Notes
- Use a greased ramekin or silicone mold to ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Baking time can vary depending on your oven and size of the ramekin; check frequently after 14 minutes.
- For a richer flavor, choose high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips with at least 60% cacao.
- Let the cake cool for a minute before serving to avoid very hot lava center burns.
- Vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm chocolate by adding a creamy, cold contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
