Pin It Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a warm, gooey molten center — perfect for an elegant dessert or a comforting treat.
This recipe quickly became my go-to dessert for special occasions and cozy nights in.
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 My family always gathers excitedly when I make these; the molten center never fails to surprise and delight everyone.
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 This dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve a gooey molten center?
Bake until the edges are set but the centers jiggle slightly to keep the middle soft and molten.
- → Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the batter before baking; add 1–2 minutes to the baking time when baking chilled.
- → What chocolate types work best?
Use bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for deeper flavor.
- → How should the ramekins be prepared?
Grease with butter and lightly dust with flour to ensure easy release after baking.
- → What serving options complement these cakes?
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream.
- → Can I add flavor variations?
Try adding espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter for a unique twist.