Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Cake Preparation

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it's hot enough for the cakes.

2. 2

   Prepare the Ramekins

   Grease four ramekins (6 oz. each) with butter and dust them with cocoa powder. This prevents sticking.

3. 3

   Melt Chocolate and Butter

   In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

4. 4

   Mix Sugar and Eggs

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs, and large egg yolks until light and fluffy.

5. 5

   Combine Mixtures

   Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously to combine. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.

6. 6

   Add Flour

   Sift the all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture and gently fold until just combined.

7. 7

   Pour into Ramekins

   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

8. 8

   Bake

   Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.

9. 9

   Cool Slightly

   Once baked, remove from the oven and let the cakes cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen.

10. 10

    Invert and Serve

    Carefully invert the ramekins onto dessert plates. Serve immediately, topped with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with chocolate sauce if desired.