Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Preparation and Baking

1. 1

   Preheat the Oven

   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

2. 2

   Melt Chocolate and Butter

   In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt them together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

3. 3

   Mix Sugar and Eggs

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs, large egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is thick and pale.

4. 4

   Combine Mixtures

   Gradually add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the egg mixture, stirring continuously to combine.

5. 5

   Add Flour and Salt

   Sift the all-purpose flour and pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

6. 6

   Fill Ramekins

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

7. 7

   Bake

   Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center should remain soft.

8. 8

   Cool Slightly

   Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for 1-2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.

9. 9

   Serve

   Invert each ramekin onto a plate, allowing the cake to slide out. Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries if desired.