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Foolproof Classic Chocolate Lava Cake: Perfect Gooey Center Every Time

Close-up of a perfectly baked chocolate lava cake with molten center oozing onto a white plate.
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Make rich, individual chocolate cakes with crisp edges and a warm, flowing molten center. This recipe is simple to follow and consistently delivers a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter and cocoa powder for dusting ramekins

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins. Dust the inside of each buttered ramekin with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
  2. Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or microwave in short bursts). Stir until completely smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
  4. Gently whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
  5. Sift the flour and salt over the batter. Fold gently until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the four prepared ramekins.
  7. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still look soft and slightly jiggly.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for exactly 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edge of each cake.
  9. Invert each cake onto a small serving plate. Serve immediately while the center is molten.

Notes

  • For the best flow, do not overbake. If you prefer a slightly firmer center, bake for 15 minutes.
  • If you do not have ramekins, you can bake this batter in a standard muffin tin, reducing the bake time to 10 to 12 minutes.
  • Dust the finished cakes with powdered sugar or serve with fresh raspberries for contrast.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/foolproof-lava-cake-gooey-center-recipe/