Chocolate Lava Cake

Introduction

Chocolate lava cake is the ultimate dinner party dessert. Crack through the delicate, cakey exterior and a river of warm, molten chocolate flows out. Despite its impressive presentation, the recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
• 150g unsalted butter
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 80g sugar
• 40g all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• Butter and cocoa powder (for ramekins)

How to Make

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together over a double boiler or in short microwave bursts, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
2. Whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until thick and pale, about 3 minutes.
3. Fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, then sift in the flour and salt. Fold gently until just combined.
4. Butter 6 ramekins and dust with cocoa powder. Divide the batter evenly among them.
5. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) to set the edges while keeping the center liquid.
6. Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm but the center should jiggle slightly.
7. Let them rest for 1 minute, then invert each ramekin onto a plate. Tap gently and lift to reveal the cake.

Conclusion

Timing is everything with lava cake. A minute too long and you have a brownie; a minute too short and it will not hold its shape. Nail the timing once, and this will become your signature dessert.