Description
A quick, restaurant-quality dessert featuring a warm, gooey molten center, made with simple pantry ingredients in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
- Vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
- Fresh raspberries (optional, for serving)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter the inside of six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Melt chocolate chips and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar vigorously for 2-3 minutes until pale, thick, and fluffy.
- Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk gently to combine. Sift in flour and salt, then fold in gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-13 minutes until the edges are firm and puffed but the center still looks soft and jiggly.
- Let cool for exactly 1 minute, then invert onto plates and serve immediately.
Notes
Timing is critical; 12 minutes is the sweet spot for most ovens. Do not overbake or the center will not be liquid. You can prep the batter ahead and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, adding 2-3 minutes to baking time if baking from cold. Use high-quality chocolate for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 24
- Sodium: 120
- Fat: 24
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 7
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, 15 minute dessert, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, last minute dessert, individual cakes, gluten-free option