Desserts Recipe
Make Desserts Recipe in just 40m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Chocolate Lava Cake (single-serve, makes 4)
Berry Compote (optional topping)
To serve
Method
Prepare ramekins and oven
- 1
Preheat and prepare
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins, then dust the insides with cocoa powder, tapping out excess. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easier handling.
Make chocolate base
- 2
Melt butter and chocolate
In a heatproof bowl set over (not in) simmering water (double boiler), combine 6 tbsp butter and 6 oz chopped chocolate. Stir occasionally until fully melted and smooth. Alternatively, microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between bursts until melted. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.
- 3
Whisk eggs and sugar
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 4 whole eggs, 2 egg yolks and 3 tbsp granulated sugar until mixture is pale, slightly thickened, and sugar begins to dissolve (about 1–2 minutes). Stir in 1 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- 4
Combine
Pour the slightly cooled chocolate-butter mixture into the egg-sugar mixture in a steady stream while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and create a smooth batter. Once combined, gently fold in 1 tablespoon flour with a spatula until no streaks remain; do not overmix.
Fill and bake
- 5
Fill ramekins
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins (about 3.5–4 oz batter per ramekin). Smooth the tops with the back of a spoon or spatula.
- 6
Bake
Place the baking sheet with ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. Cakes are done when the edges are set and risen but the centers still jiggle slightly when shaken. (If you prefer a looser lava, remove at ~12 minutes; for slightly firmer centers, 14 minutes.)
- 7
Rest briefly
Remove from oven and let the ramekins sit on the baking sheet for 1 minute to settle. Run a small knife around the inside edge of each ramekin to loosen the cake.
- 8
Berry compote (optional)
- 9
Cook compote
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine 1 cup mixed berries, 2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the berries break down and the mixture slightly thickens, about 4–6 minutes. Taste and adjust sugar or lemon as needed. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- 10
Serve
Spoon a tablespoon or two of warm compote alongside each inverted lava cake and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.