Pin It Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a warm, gooey molten center — perfect for an elegant dessert or a comforting treat.
This recipe is a favorite for celebrations and always impresses guests with its luscious texture.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Mixture: 120 g (4.25 oz) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate roughly chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
- Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 90 g (scant 1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
- Step 2:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
- Step 5:
- Sift in the flour and salt, and fold gently until just incorporated — do not overmix.
- Step 6:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.
- Step 8:
- Let rest for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and add berries or ice cream if desired.
Pin It We love sharing these molten cakes as a special dessert on cozy family nights.
Notes
For a flavored twist, add a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter. Serve with fresh mint, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Required Tools
6 ramekins (6 oz each), Heatproof mixing bowls, Whisk, Rubber spatula, Baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Pin It The perfect quick dessert that brings warmth and elegance to any meal.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a molten center in these cakes?
Bake the cakes briefly until the edges are set but the center remains soft and slightly jiggly. This timing creates a warm, gooey core.
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the batter before baking and add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time if baking from cold.
- → What type of chocolate works best?
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa delivers deeper flavor and ideal texture.
- → How should I grease the ramekins?
Use unsalted butter to grease the ramekins, then lightly dust with flour and tap out excess to prevent sticking.
- → Are there suggested variations for flavors?
Add a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter for subtle flavor enhancements.
- → What sides complement these cakes?
Serve with powdered sugar, fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for added richness.