Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake

Indulge in the rich and decadent experience of Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake. This delectable dessert is a timeless classic that has been perfected to create a truly unforgettable taste sensation. With its velvety smooth and molten center, every spoonful of this dessert is a heavenly delight that will leave you craving for more.

Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Additional Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 35 mins

Servings:

4

Yield:

4 mini lava cakes

Ingredients

Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake
2 egg yolks
2 eggs
3 tablespoons white sugar
3 ½ ounces chopped dark chocolate
5 tablespoons butter
4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons flour
1 pinch salt
⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake

Step 1

Generously butter the insides of four 5 1/2-ounce ramekins.

Step 2

Whisk egg yolks, eggs, and sugar together in a bowl until light, foamy, and lemon colored.

Step 3

Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals until melted, stirring after each interval, 1 to 3 minutes.

Step 4

Stir melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture until combined. Sift in cocoa powder and stir to combine. Sift in flour and salt; stir to combine into a batter. Stir in vanilla.

Step 5

Transfer batter to a resealable plastic bag. Snip off one corner of the bag with scissors to create a tip. Divide batter evenly between the prepared ramekins; gently tap ramekins on the counter to remove any air bubbles. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Step 6

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

Step 7

Arrange chilled ramekins in a casserole dish. Pour enough hot tap water into the casserole dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool for 15 minutes.

Step 9

Loosen the edges from each ramekin with a knife. Invert cakes onto serving plates and dust with powdered sugar.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

394

Calories

29g

Fat

32g

Carbs

7g

Protein

Complement

Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake is a masterpiece of culinary artistry, combining the finest ingredients and expert techniques to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The outer layer of the cake is delicately crisp, providing a delightful contrast to the warm, gooey chocolate lava that flows from the center. Each bite is a symphony of rich, bittersweet chocolate and a hint of sweetness that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you in awe of the culinary expertise that went into creating this masterpiece. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake is a dessert that is sure to impress even the most discerning of palates.