Description

A rich, decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten fudge center that can be made in under 30 minutes. Naturally gluten-free and perfect for weeknight desserts or date nights.

Ingredients

Scale

6 ounces (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa, semi-sweet or bittersweet)
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, cubed
2 large eggs, room temperature
2 large egg yolks
½ cup (100g) granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Butter and cocoa powder, for greasing ramekins

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins thoroughly with butter, dust with cocoa powder, and place on a baking sheet.
Break chocolate into chunks and place in a microwave-safe bowl with cubed butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until mostly melted. Stir vigorously until smooth and glossy.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt vigorously for about 2 minutes until light and frothy. Add vanilla extract and whisk once more.
Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and whisk gently but thoroughly until combined. The batter will be thin.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about ¾ full. Smooth the tops with a spatula.
Bake on the baking sheet for 12 to 14 minutes, until edges are set and puffy but the center still looks soft and jiggly.
Remove from oven and let rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edge to loosen, place a plate upside down over the ramekin, flip quickly, and lift off the ramekin.
Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overbake, or the center will not be molten. Use high-quality chocolate bars rather than chips for the best texture. Eggs should be at room temperature. The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Can be prepped up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated; add 1-2 minutes to baking time if baking from cold.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: French

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cake
Calories: 320
Sugar: 24
Sodium: 15
Fat: 22
Saturated Fat: 13
Carbohydrates: 28
Fiber: 2
Protein: 6

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, gluten-free dessert, quick dinner, 5pm dinner, fudgy center, weeknight dessert