Easy Chocolate Lava Cake

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Easy Chocolate Lava Cake, the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers! With a warm, gooey center and a rich chocolate flavor, this dessert is perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Ingredients (Makes 4 lava cakes):

For the cake:

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
6 oz (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped or chocolate chips
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt

For serving (optional):

Powdered sugar, for dusting
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries) for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour 4 ramekins (6 oz size) or use non-stick cooking spray. You can also line the ramekins with parchment paper to ensure the cakes come out easily.

2. Prepare the chocolate mixture:

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips) over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully combined.
Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.

3. Mix the batter:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until combined and slightly frothy.
Gradually pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking until smooth.
Sift the flour over the batter and gently fold it in until fully combined. The batter will be thick and glossy.

4. Fill the ramekins:

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins (about 3/4 full in each).
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet to make transferring them easier.

5. Bake the cakes:

Bake the lava cakes in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be slightly soft and jiggly.
Be careful not to overbake, as the center needs to remain molten.

6. Serve the lava cakes:

Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for about 1-2 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.
Invert the ramekins onto plates and gently lift them off to reveal the lava cakes.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and fresh berries.

Tips:

Customize the filling: You can add a small piece of chocolate or peanut butter in the center of the batter before baking to create an even gooier center.
Make ahead: You can prepare the batter ahead of time, fill the ramekins, cover, and refrigerate. Bake them when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra minute or two to the bake time.
Gluten-free option: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

This Easy Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect dessert for any chocolate craving—decadent, warm, and gooey on the inside with a rich chocolate flavor that melts in your mouth!