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Decadent Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes for Two

molten chocolate lava cakes for two - featured image

These decadent molten chocolate lava cakes for two are easy to make and deliver a rich, gooey chocolate center with a tender cake exterior, perfect for intimate occasions or a cozy dessert treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (115 grams), plus extra for greasing
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 grams)
  • 2 large whole eggs, room temperature
  • 2 large egg whites, room temperature
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (30 grams), sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter two 6-ounce ramekins generously, then dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.
  2. Melt the chocolate and butter together gently using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk whole eggs, egg whites, and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is thick, pale, and slightly frothy (3-4 minutes by hand or 2 minutes with a mixer).
  4. Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs gently using a rubber spatula, preserving as much air as possible.
  5. Sift the flour and salt over the batter, then fold in carefully until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
  6. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins and smooth the tops with the back of a spoon.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set but the centers will still jiggle slightly when shaken gently.
  8. Remove from oven and let cakes rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert each ramekin onto a dessert plate and gently lift to reveal the lava cake.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or topped with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for better whipping. Melt chocolate and butter gently to avoid scorching. Folding gently preserves air for a tender crumb. Adjust baking time slightly to get the perfect molten center. Batter can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours; bring to room temperature before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate dessert, easy dessert, date night dessert, homemade lava cake, chocolate cake for two