Noah’s Chocolate Lava Cake

by Noah Ash

Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake is a rich chocolate dessert with a warm, gooey center that flows out when you cut into it. This restaurant-style treat is surprisingly easy to make at home and is perfect for special occasions, holidays, Valentine's Day, or whenever you're craving chocolate.

Ingredients

1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 large eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously grease four 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups and place them on a baking sheet.

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, bittersweet chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15-second intervals until melted and smooth.

Whisk in the powdered sugar until fully incorporated.

Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.

Stir in the flour just until combined. Do not overmix.

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.

Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should still look slightly soft.

Allow the cakes to cool for 1 minute.

Run a knife around the edges and carefully invert each cake onto a dessert plate.

Serve immediately while the centers are still warm and molten.

Yield: 4 individual lava cakes.

Kid Cooking Tip

Older kids can help measure ingredients, whisk the batter, and watch for the perfect baking time with adult supervision.

Serving Ideas

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, fresh strawberries, raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.

Variation Ideas

Add a square of chocolate, caramel candy, peanut butter cup, or raspberry jam to the center of each cake before baking for a surprise filling.

Lava Cake Secret: Slightly underbaking the centers creates the signature molten chocolate middle. If baked too long, the cakes will become regular chocolate cakes.